Remembering BUSSW Emeriti Faculty Julianne Wayne and Carolyn Dillon
Register here to join the Memorial Celebration for Carolyn Dillon on December 16, 2021.
BU School of Social Work is sad to share the news that two beloved members of the BUSSW community have passed away: Clinical Professor Emerita Carolyn Dillon, and former Director of Field Education and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Julianne Wayne (SSW’62).
Carolyn Dillon, Clinical Professor Emerita
As a clinical professor and advisor at BUSSW, Carolyn Dillon made an impact on students and colleagues alike. She received awards for teaching excellence from the School’s Alumni Association, the BUSSW student body, and the University, which presented her with the Metcalf Award for Excellence in Teaching. She was also the recipient of the Greatest Contribution to Social Work Education Award from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Massachusetts Chapter.
Well-known for her work advocating for professional self-care and stress management, Dillon was the author of several books, including Interviewing in Action in a Multicultural World, now in its 5th edition, and Learning from Mistakes in Clinical Practice.
“Carolyn was a spectacular teacher and wonderful human being,” says Dean Emeritus Hubie Jones, who recalled that her excellent clinical skills made her an invaluable advisor for students coping with mental health challenges.
A former student, Clinical Professor Emerita Betty J. Ruth (SSW’84, SPH’85), remembers Dillon as “a brilliant teacher who bridged practice and academia.”
“She epitomized collegiality, mentoring, and egalitarianism, and she wholeheartedly supported fellow faculty members,” Ruth says. “It’s no accident her book was all about learning from mistakes. She was one of the most humble and non-defensive people I’ve ever known. Yes, she was a star.”
Dillon passed away on October 15, 2021 in Fernandina Beach, Florida at the age of 81.
In lieu of flowers, Dillon’s family requests that those wishing to make a donation in celebration of her life donate to the Carolyn Dillon Scholarship Fund at BUSSW.
BUSSW will hold a virtual memorial celebration for Carolyn Dillon on Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 4:00 pm ET. Register here to join.
Julianne Wayne (SSW’62), former Director of Field Education and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs
Julianne Wayne, a field education specialist and expert in social work group practice, spent more than two decades at BUSSW as director of field education and associate dean of academic affairs. Wayne co-authored Group Work Education in the Field, and was the recipient of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) Connecticut Chapter’s 2019 Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dean Emeritus Hubie Jones remembers Wayne as an invaluable partner who helped make BUSSW a “more innovative and loving place.”
“I had the great privilege of having Julianne as a colleague and partner when she served as our associate dean,” says Jones. “Her commitment to the value of field education as a central feature of social training and education was strong and enduring.”
Former director of field education Trudy Zimmerman, who was introduced to the department by Wayne, remembers her mentorship. “Those of you who knew and worked with Julianne will remember her as a wonderful teacher, group worker, field education scholar and director, and someone who was devoted to social work education throughout her career,” said Zimmerman.
“Julianne was an amazing associate dean and group worker,” says Assistant Dean Mena daSilva-Clark, a former colleague of Wayne, who recalls Wayne and Dillon’s time as colleagues at BUSSW. “I had the pleasure of traveling with the two of them to the national NASW conferences,” says daSilva-Clark. “They took me under their wing … There was always laughter.”
Julianne Wayne passed away at the age of 81 on October 12, 2021. A celebration of life in honor of Wayne and her husband, Murray, will be held at the end of May.