The California Social Work Archives (CSWA) honored Ralph D. Fertig, clinical associate professor, with the George D. Nickel Award for Outstanding Professional Services today at its annual Hall of Distinction Induction Ceremony and Award Luncheon at the Doheny Memorial Library.

The George D. Nickel Award is given annually in memory of the CSWA's primary founder to recognize an individual who has made distinguished contributions to the field of social welfare.

"Ralph embodies the ideals of our profession through his social conscience and leadership that has helped bring many communities closer to compassionate action," said CSWA Founder and Distinguished Professor Emerita Frances L. Feldman, who presented the award. "His is a progressive voice for issues central to a just society, and we applaud his championing for social change. I couldn't think of a better person to honor the memory of George Nickel, whom we also recognize on this day for his immeasurable efforts with child care programs, mental health legislation and the licensing of California social workers."

This year's recipient has fought for social justice as a federal administrative judge, civil rights lawyer, social worker and sociologist. The Washington Post once dubbed him, "the conscience of Washington." In addition to his many teaching posts, Fertig was executive director of the Greater Los Angeles Community Action Agency; executive director of the Metropolitan Washington Planning & Housing Association and the Washington Welfare Association, where he launched "war on poverty" programs. In the '60s, he was part of the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, a freedom rider and activist for a variety of human rights groups including the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People. Three years ago, Fertig's historical novel, Love and Liberation, became a Los Angeles Times bestseller. Presently, he serves as president of the Humanitarian Law Project, a non-governmental organization (NGO) with consultative status to the United Nations Human Rights Sub-Commission.

Among other accolades, Fertig has received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award (Americans for Democratic Action) for lifetime service in human rights, Clarence Darrow Award (Peoples College of Law) for legal advocacy and the Jane Addams Award (USC School of Social Work) for outstanding teaching.

Other honorees included the 2004 CSWA Hall of Distinction inductees: Bernice Augenbraun, Elsie Herman, Rose Kleiner, Dorothy Miller, Royal Morales, Effie Robinson and Lorenzo 'Gip' Traylor.