A new project led by Pitt School of Social Work faculty will be receiving a Faculty Internal Research Pilot Project Grant to explore burnout among BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) graduate students. “Taking Off the Cape: Removing the Cloak of Invincibility to Support BIPOC Graduate Students" is led by PI Dr. Alicia Johnson, Child Welfare Education for Leadership (CWEL) Academic Coordinator, and includes Co-Is faculty members Dr. Yodit Betru, Dr. Aliya Durham, Dr. Toya Jones, and Deborah Robinson, LSW. Read more.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation has awarded the University of Pittsburgh $250,000 to support the Pitt Black Faculty Development Initiative — a program that seeks to improve the lives of Black Pittsburghers by supporting research focused on equity, health and well-being in the city. This program is part of the larger Race and Social Determinants of Equity and Well-being Cluster Hire and Retention Initiative. Vice provost for faculty diversity and development John Wallace's office, along with the Center on Race and Social Problems in the School of Social Work, will steward the grant. Read more in Pittwire and the Pitt News.

We are excited to continue supporting our Hill District community partner as it brings holiday cheer to children ages 4 months through 13 years. From Monday, December 6 through Thursday, December 16, you can grab a gift tag on display in the Dean’s suite to purchase and return wrapped and unwrapped gifts for children. 

Suggested gift items include: books; toys; games; non-flammable jammies; and gift cards. All donations should be placed in the donation collection box—in the Dean’s suite—by 5PM on Thursday, December 16. 

The Office of Engagement & Community Affairs warmly announces the resumption of the annual Christmas Day at Pitt holiday event, in partnership with Compass Group and the Salvation Army. Christmas Day at Pitt offers a safe and festive gathering on campus where underserved families and individuals from across the city and region can celebrate with a warm holiday meal, gifts for children, new winter accessories for adults, and respite from the weather. Volunteers will support preparation and distribution of meals, dining room operations and cleaning, gift giving, and general support on Christmas Day. Join in and register here!

Pitt Social Work alumni dominated this year's S.W.A.G (Social Worker Appreciation of Greatness) Awards. Congratulations to alumni: Jaquala Lowery, Dawn Gordon, Mark Brentley Jr., Jenna Weidner, and Ashley Pesi.

The ceremony will be held March 26, 2022. More details can be found here.

MSW alumna Andi Thieman founded PennyLoafer, a fee-free digital platform that helps connect individual donors to vetted non-profits. For as little as $5 per month, PennyLoafer subscribers choose one of four categories of giving: climate change, quality education, racial justice or mental health. Read more in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.

The Pitt Social Work community mourned the passing of Dean Emeritus Larry Davis earlier this year. In remembrance of Dean Davis’s many contributions to the School and social work profession, we are pleased to join the School’s Board of Visitors and University leadership in a memorial fundraising effort.

Support social work students’ tuition and other educational expenses by donating to the Kim and Larry Davis Student Fund today. Donate here.