Two of this year’s students launched the school’s student council; three went beyond the curriculum and secured grants for the agency in which they were placed. There were the “Aging” fellows and the NASW student of the year and myriad of academic and fieldwork achievements. But there were two awards, and four recipients, that were the highlight of the evening for students and staff alike.

The Dr. Bernard & Sarah Lander Tikkun Olam Award goes to students who have overcome tremendous personal obstacles in their effort to make a difference in the world. This year’s recipients were Jeune Johnson, who “modeled how to triumph over adversity,” when she steadfastly served those in need in a homeless family shelter field internship, a place where she once took refuge; and Migdalia Perez, who suffered the tragic loss of her sister, while working towards her MSW, but is “turned pain into purpose” focusing her work on palliative care.

Dr. Joanne Ivry and Dr. Carmi Schwartz, each retired this year. They will be missed at the Graduate School of Social Work, but their impact will long be felt. They were each honored with the Lifetime of Social Work Achievement Award.