News Archive
Alumni
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Not all social workers have heard of the Jewish concept of tikkun olam or “repairing the world,” but most strive to live by its ideal.
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In 2005, during his first year of graduate school at the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, Bryan Gaines, BA ’03, MSW ’06, DSW ’18, received a phone call from his aunt. She told him his father, with whom he had no relationship, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, required 24/7 care and needed to be picked up—she was going to Las Vegas.
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A lot of people consider time a precious commodity, but Omar Pryce treats nearly every minute like it is made of gold. That is because for him, choosing how to spend his time is an unexpected blessing. Pryce had expected to be in prison until 2023.
Earning an early release gave him the opportunity to change his life’s trajectory. Since then, he has ensured that every day has been spent working toward his many positive life goals, such as obtaining his Master of Social Work (MSW).
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Interpersonal violence is inherently a social phenomenon, meaning it spreads through networks. Perhaps adaptive and positive behaviors like mindfulness could also be spread virally?
This is the theory that inspired Robin Petering, PhD ’18, and Nicholas Barr, PhD ’18 to develop MyPath, a violence reduction intervention for youth experiencing homelessness.
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Layan Kaileh, MSW ’18, while earning her bachelor’s degree in social work in Fresno, California, created what she called ‘blessing bags,’ which included toiletries, food, water and a couple of dollars. When out driving, if she saw someone she thought needed help, she would hand them the bag, all ready in her car.
Nicole Wilson, MSW ’18, who grew up in Los Angeles County, felt compelled to be a positive influence for change in any way she could within her community.
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On December 30, 2019, Theodore Lumpkin, Jr. became a centenarian.
If one did not know that he recently celebrated his 100th birthday, with a series of parties given by family, friends and those whose lives he has touched throughout his years, it would not be obvious. He strides into a room, takes calls on his smartphone like someone a quarter of his age, and engages you in conversation about what he has seen and done across a century of living.
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Wendy Talley, LCSW, MSW ’01, is the youngest of 11 children. The baby of the family. One evening, when she was seven, her father came home with a look of fear on his face. Fear, and coldness. Her mother quickly instructed Talley’s older sister to take her into the bedroom. She and her sister retreated and locked the door.
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In April of 2018, Isaac Ford Jr., MSW ’12, attended the National Association of Black Social Workers Annual Conference in San Diego, California. He was excited to be a part of the 50th anniversary celebration, partake in seminars and workshops, and meet new people.
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On November 22, 1963, Peter Breen, MSW ’67, was home watching his two-year old daughter when he heard of President Kennedy’s assassination.
“I sat in front of that TV for three days,” said Breen. “Three weeks later I left the farm in Gilroy, California and said, ‘we’re going to do something good.’” And good he did. For 55 years, Breen has been working to promote innovative child welfare services and programs in California.
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Navigating the career lifecycle can be challenging for soon-to-be-graduates and seasoned professionals alike. Whether it’s securing a first job, moving to a new one or rising in the ranks at the same organization, the question “Where do I start?” can feel overwhelming.