"Stepping into the Hardest Places"
As 20th Anniversary Nears, Touro Social Work Honors the Class of 2026 as Graduates Prepare to Serve Individuals and Communities in Need
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On the cusp of celebrating the 20th anniversary since its founding, faculty and staff of Touro's Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) gathered at the 92nd Street Y-Kaufman Concert Hall in New York City on June 10 to honor the Class of 2026 at the school's annual Academic Recognition Program.
Director of Program Operations Elhanan Marvit opened the ceremonies with welcoming remarks, followed by Dean Dr. Nancy Gallina.
"The faculty and I really treasure this event, as we get to witness the transformation all of you experienced through your journey in this program," said the dean, to a packed house that included family and friends.
"Congratulations doesn't seem adequate enough to capture your level of accomplishment. So in addition, I'd like to reinforce for you the amazing gifts you now leave with -- the gift of hope, of providing a safe haven, of advocacy, and so many others," said Dr. Gallina. "Gifts the people you meet will be grateful for, and gifts that - when left behind - will make our world a better place, whether that be one encounter, one person, or one community at a time."
Mission Rooted in Service
Rabbi Moshe Krupka, executive vice president and Touro University ombudsman, delivered greetings and congratulations, followed by Dr. Patricia Salkin, senior vice president, academic affairs and provost, graduate and professional divisions.
"At Touro, our mission has always been rooted in service, especially to the underserved. We are guided by a commitment to social justice, human dignity and the belief that education is a force for a just and civil society. Nowhere is that mission more fully embodied than in the Graduate School of Social Work," said Dr. Salkin.
"You chose a profession that steps directly into the hardest places - where pain, trauma and injustice live - and you bring compassion, skill and advocacy. You will be the ones who help individuals find stability, help communities find strength, and help society find its conscience. You will make change," she said.
A multitude of awards were announced in recognition of achievements and contributions.
Dean Gallina led off with the Exemplary Community Partnership Award, which went to Melanie Sanchez, LCSW, director of social work training at NYC Health and Hospitals.
Dozens Receive Highest Academic Honors
Forty-seven graduates received highest academic honors for having obtained GPAs of 3.9 or above and twenty graduates received Excellence in Practicum Development awards.
Christian Rodriguez, Class of 2018, received the Alumnus of the Year award, and Malkah Berger received the Outstanding Service to the Community and Leadership Award.
Betsy Cardenas received the Latino Leadership Scholar Award; Tamar Masar the Distinguished Scholarship Values and Ethics Award; and Shoshana Dornheim, Bryna Flaum and Yogeeta Mangal received Social Work Leadership and Management awards.
Shira Greenberger received the Dr. Bernard and Sarah Lander Distinguished Social Work Tikun Olam award, given every year for leadership, compassion and community impact.
The recognition, rooted in the Jewish value of “repairing the world,” salutes a student whose work reflects academic excellence and a deep commitment to strengthening families and communities during times of vulnerability and change.
Five students received fellowship awards: in Aging Education, Elizabeth Adewale and Eleonor Leger; in Evidence-Based Practice in Mental Health, Nicole Robinson; and in School Social Work, Tasha Pope and Nicole Reyes. Donna Dickerson was recognized for receiving the New York Community Trust Fellowship.
A Special Recognition in Research award went to 2026 Student Speaker Dena Zagelbaum, and 20 students received Excellence in Practicum Development awards.
Dr. LaShawn Smith was recognized with the Outstanding Service to the School Award for her administrative and faculty role, teaching and supporting students and helping them prepare for clinical practice and community advocacy.
