BUSSW Alumni Board Launches New Categories & Nomination Process for the Annual Alumni Awards
President Angela Yarde (SSW’97) and Vice President Kristina Whiton-O’Brien (SSW’95), the new leadership team for the Alumni Board at BU School of Social Work, have announced several improvements to the School’s annual Alumni Association Awards. In addition to a more streamlined nomination process, there are two new award categories: The Ken Schulman BUSSW Spirit Award and the Emerging Professional Award.
The Ken Schulman BUSSW Spirit Award honors the legacy and commitment of Ken Schulman, former associate dean of alumni, enrollment, and external affairs. “Ken had a deep commitment to and passion for BUSSW,” says Whiton-O’Brien. “With this new award, we want to acknowledge others who exemplify these qualities.” Nominees can be a member of the faculty, staff, student body, or alumni who contribute to BUSSW through exceptional student recruitment, community engagement, fundraising, or dedicating time to support students or alumni.
The Emerging Professional Award will honor a recent BUSSW graduate who has made significant contributions to the social work profession and the community at large. By adding a category for alumni who graduated five years ago or less, the Alumni Board hopes to engage newer alumni in board activities. “So many of our alums are doing amazing work as newer grads and it is important to lift that up and capture their energy and enthusiasm,” says Whiton-O’Brien.
The two new categories join three preexisting ones: Hubie Jones Urban Service, Outstanding Career in Social Work, and Outstanding Contributions to the School of Social Work.
Nominations for this year’s awards are due May 31st.