Festus Webley, MSW ’71, former director of staff development at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services and longtime supporter of USC and the School of Social Work, died Feb. 29, a couple of weeks shy of his 90th birthday.

During his tenure with Riverside social services, he led the effort to create the Greater Avenues for Independence program, a statewide welfare-to-work initiative that helps California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKs) recipients find employment. Webley was instrumental in establishing a staff development unit to support all staff within Riverside DPSS and served as its manager for more than 20 years.

Over the course of his illustrious career, Webley maintained a private psychotherapy practice, cofounded the Nelson Webley Corporation, served as an educator and marriage and family therapist, and worked as a clinical supervisor for social workers. He was a board certified diplomate in clinical social work, a certification that embodies the highest standards in the areas of clinical education, training and experience. He also served as a board member of the California Social Welfare Archives, which for more than 35 years has documented the development of social welfare in California for educators, scholars and researchers.

Born and raised in the Republic of Panama, Webley moved to the United States to attend Oakwood University in Alabama. The following year, he transferred to USC, where he completed his undergraduate studies in history and political science. In 1971, he received his master’s degree in social work with an emphasis on administration and organizational development from the School of Social Work.

A tried and true Trojan, Webley was fiercely proud of his alma mater and remained friends with many of his professors, notably Sam Taylor and Frances Feldman. He also collaborated with and maintained relationships with all subsequent School of Social Work deans, including Marilyn Flynn. In 2015, Webley and Nelson hosted nearly 100 guests at their home at an event launching The USC Social Work Initiative, part of the historic Campaign for the University of Southern California, to provide the investment necessary to develop highly trained social work practitioners and visionary leaders.

In 2005, Webley and his wife, Tena Nelson, PhD ’90, a DPSS staff member who also worked in operations and the staff development division, received the prestigious W. June Simmons Distinguished Alumna Award for outstanding accomplishments in the field of social work. In addition, President C. L. Max Nikias appointed Webley a USC ambassador for his endless support of the Trojan Family. According to Nelson, Webley believed the university’s success was largely built on the close relationship between Trojans, a bond that he said wasn’t prevalent at other universities.

In addition to his wife, Webley is survived by several children, stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.