The Class of 2006 began its journey during what commencement student speaker Maura McGinnis-Gibney recalled as one of the most tumultuous times in world history. From the disastrous tsunami in Southeast Asia and increasing violence in Iraq to the re-election of one of the most controversial presidents in modern times and Hurricane Katrina's destruction of the Gulf Coast, she and her classmates utilized their classrooms - and one another - as outlets to deal with a world evolving literally right before their eyes.

"The mental support we were able to provide to each other is as valuable as any behavioral theory," she said.

McGinnis-Gibney challenged her peers to change the world by linking their future and their success with the improvement of society. Who better to articulate the needs of society and speak for the underrepresented than social workers, she said.

"Whether we work on Capitol Hill, with abused children, battered women or in healthcare, the work we do changes people's lives one by one and ultimately changes the world we live in," she said. "We must expand society's vision of what social work is and what we do."

"What the USC School of Social Work taught me is that despite the differences in how each of us approaches social problems, we remain united in our passion and desire to reshape our world."

Bucking the Odds, Fighting the Elites

Sharing McGinnis-Gibney's optimism was California State Assembly Speaker Fabian Nuñez, who delivered the keynote address and congratulated graduates on devoting their education to empowering the marginalized and staking their futures on reigniting America's humanity, especially in a time of "compassion fatigue."

"Maybe you're the ones whose stories should be in the newspaper's headlines," he said.

Nuñez, who backs immigration reform, more housing opportunities for the homeless and a strengthened foster care system - all initiatives close to the hearts of social workers - reminded audience members of "rough spots we need to reckon with," citing the need for more funding for healthcare, a commitment to drug treatment, and more teachers and textbooks to close the achievement gap in this country.

He eulogized a fellow assembly member who had devoted his short life to bringing education, justice and opportunity to the poor of California, serving as a role model who made a career out of "bucking the odds and fighting the elites."

Nuñez suggested that like his friend, they too could make this kind of difference in the work they will pursue.

"Take risks, right wrongs wherever you see them and never ever let anyone doubt the course which you have chosen," he said. "Those who are willing to take on the challenge to make it better, those who are willing to take the risks to make it better, those - like each and everyone of you that sees tomorrow and doesn't think about himself or herself - will improve the condition of all people in this great golden state we call California."

Making the Grade

The USC School of Social Work 2006 Commencement Ceremony in the USC Lyon Center honored 263 graduate students who were awarded master of social work (MSW) degrees and three Ph.D. candidates who received their doctor of philosophy in social work degrees. Of the MSW graduates, 35 were inducted into the Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi (grade point average of 3.9 or better) and 81 were recognized as Dean's Scholars (grade point average of 3.85 or better). Three MSW candidates were among the first graduates to complete the world's first nurse social work practitioner option, which confers a master of social work degree and case management certificate.

"As graduates of USC, you should go to the front of the line," Dean Marilyn Flynn said. "People know that not only do we have a long history, but they recognize the quality this degree represents, and they know you will be among the best."

Awards & Recognition

Gladys M. Salit Award
Recognizes academic excellence, outstanding field work performance, and exceptional leadership and creativity.

La Shonda Blunt
La Shonda successfully organized the school's first National Association of Social Workers (NASW) membership drive and later earned the San Fernando Valley Chapter's Student of the Year. She also served as chair of the Graduation Committee.

Kathy Hua-Di
As Student Organization president, Kathy created excitement and enthusiasm for student events by fostering camaraderie and cooperation among her peers and faculty. She also worked closely with the International Social Work Caucus.

Dean's Award for Personal Achievement
Recognizes a student who has achieved outstanding success and overcome great personal obstacles.

Lea Van Denburgh
Despite Lea's battle with a significant medical condition, she completed dual master's degrees in social work and public policy and development. Committed to the International Social Work Caucus, she is a shining example of dedication and hard work.

California Society for Clinical Social Work Susan Fox Knowles Award
Recognizes a student in the mental health concentration with a focus on clinical social work with older adults.

Gabriela Blanco
At her internship with the San Fernando Mental Health Center, Gabriela developed a Spanish-speaking group for Wellness Center clients, enabling then to discuss the recovery model's efficacy.

California Society for Clinical Social Work Alexis Selwood Award
Recognizes a student who has demonstrated aptitude, scholarship and the desire to work in the field of mental health.

Brian Ross
A member of the Geriatric Social Work Education Consortium, Brian served an integral role within the mental health clinic, nursing home and neurobehavioral clinic at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, where he completed his internship.

Sterling C. Franklin Distinguished USC Social Work Faculty Award
Recognizes a faculty member who has achieved recognition in the scientific community and addressed solutions to important social problems.

Ron Astor, PhD
Ron Astor holds a joint appointment in the Schools of Education and Social Work. His research examines why some children allow for violence in the family and school and how children's reasoning about justice in those contexts affects their approval of violent behavior. He is an expert on terrorism and school violence, including childhood violence in different cultures.

Hutto Patterson Foundation Distinguished USC Social Work Faculty Award
Recognizes a faculty member for excellence in teaching who has demonstrated outstanding service to the university, the school and the community.

Rafael Angulo, MSW
With a sense of humility and genuine commitment to the profession, Rafael Angulo establishes quality relationships with students. His groundbreaking Media in Social Work class teaches students to explore alternative means of social justice and advocacy, inspiring their creativity and motivating them for success.

Jane Addams Faculty Award
Recognizes a faculty member whom the graduating students have nominated for their academic, administrative and moral support of students.

Rafael Angulo, MSW