Alumni Welcome
As each academic year begins and eventually draws to a close, the columns stand vigilant at the steps of Jesse Hall - ever-present ambassadors of the University of Missouri. Nearly 350 students are enrolled in the School of Social Work this year. These students represent our on-campus programs and our off-campus programs in Southeast and Northwest Missouri. Many students manage numerous personal and professional obligations while enrolled in our educational programs, just as many of you contended with similar responsibilities. At the close of this academic year, many of our students will graduate to enter the demanding life of the social work professional or continue on to attain graduate or doctoral degrees. Many will achieve this with the support of the MU School of Social Work Alumni Organization.
The Board of Directors for the School of Social Work Alumni Organization extends congratulations to you, fellow alumni, for your dedication as professionals. We applaud your efforts to address the challenges facing social workers and social service administrators today. Over three thousand alumni have been inspired to excellence through educational programs at the MU School of Social Work.
You, our fellow alumni, represent our best hope for the future of our profession, and the future of the MU School of Social Work. We take this opportunity to call upon you now in support of the School. We understand the demands upon your time and energy - each of us is counted among you. Nevertheless, you are our hope, having reaped the benefits of your educational experience here at the MU School of Social Work, knowing the difference that your education makes in the lives of your clients and in our society.
The School of Social Work Alumni Organization is proudly committed to supporting the School of Social Work - its students, faculty, staff, and alumni - through service, fundraising, counsel, and activities. We are dedicated to help the School continue to grow as a premier educational and research facility. Only volunteer-time and dues support our activities as an organization. We have nearly thirty volunteers who make up our Social Work Alumni Organization's Board of Directors and Committees, and around 260 alumni who are members. Your membership in the Social Work Alumni Organization is valued, helping to pay a substantial part of the costs related to services, fundraising, administration, activities, and newsletters. Your membership also provides support for social work students in the form of a scholarship awarded on behalf of the Social Work Alumni Organization.
Today, the School continues to provide leadership in social work education, research, and service in the state of Missouri, and these efforts are broadly applicable to the nation and the world. Specifically responding to challenges within the profession of social work, the School has launched its new Doctor of Philosophy program with an emphasis on social policy. As social welfare and social service policy devolve to states and local communities, this program is critical serving to evaluate, research, refine, and enhance social welfare and social service policy for services administered and/or funded by state tax dollars. Designed to produce scholars and researchers, graduates are prepared to provide knowledge and innovation relating to social and economic policy, with a keen understanding of human potential and human needs.
Please take a moment to complete the online application form. By joining under the School of Social Work form, you ensure that at portion of your dues will go directly to support the social work organization, which is dedicated to helping the MU School of Social Work advance. Let's not only keep the tradition alive, but rather fuel the future of the social work profession. Through financial assistance to students, services and activities for alumni, fundraising efforts, and the development of a network of professionals who share your educational background, we can elevate the support we are able to give to the School!
With questions regarding membership, please contact Deborah Simmons, staff liaison. To complete an application, please visit the following web address: www.Mizzou.com/joinsocialworkalumni and be sure the form says “Social Work” at the top. We appreciate your consideration of this appeal and look forward to seeing your support alongside so many other Tigers!
Sincerely yours,
Brenda Sites, MSW '98
President
MU SSW Alumni Organization
brenny513@yahoo.com
