BSW Student Awards Announcement 2023

We are pleased to announce the Spring 2023 BSW award recipients. The BSW Student of the Year– Senior, BSW Student of the Year – Junior, BSW Service and Leadership, and BSW Commitment to Social Justice are faculty nominated awards. The BSW Most Collegial Award is selected by BSW students. 

BSW Student of the Year- Junior: Jessica Rodriguez

Jessica is always prepared for class, engaged in classroom material, thoughtful in discussions, and critically reflective. She has gone above and beyond this semester with her work in Social Work 330 to engage the Fresh Fruit and Snack table. She is an active member in the Social Justice Club. She embodies Social Work core values in her every day interactions.

BSW Student of the Year- Senior: Lara Bussert

Lara engages peers with discussions, is extremely hard working, and an active participant in the classroom. She has exceled academically throughout her undergraduate career, is committed to social work values, and exemplifies professional behaviors in and outside the classroom.

BSW Service and Leadership Award: Emily Berry

Emily shows an outstanding commitment to the social work value of service. She serves as the president of the social work club and is a child welfare stipend recipient. She made a tremendous effort to reach out to other students and get the social work club re-engaged in community service activities that stopped during the pandemic. She also serves outside of the School as a Waldron Student Ambassador.

BSW Commitment to Social Justice: Ty Askew

Ty is a child welfare stipend recipient, and has demonstrated a passion and commitment to support the well-being of children and families. Ty is an exceptionally insightful and empathetic student who always seeks to understand the barriers and injustices experienced by clients, and advocates for access to resources and equitable opportunities. She is very active in clubs and activities on campus, and volunteers her time to mentor other students.

BSW Most Collegial: Carrie Dabney

The most collegial award is selected by BSW students. Carrie’s peers said the following in her nominations:

Carrie has showed that she is committed and dedicated to the BSW program by being an outstanding student and representing that by her work and how engaged she is during class. Carrie has been a wonderful classmate to have and has been a helping hand towards other while still maintaining her workload as well.

Carrie is a wonderful peer! She contributes in class with adding material to the discussions. Carrie gets along with all of her peers and is a great leader in group work.

She always engages during our classes together and always the first one to help another student.

Even though we have not had any classes together, she has helped out with things I didn't understand since she had already taken the classes prior to me taking them. She is always willing to help no matter what and it never goes unnoticed.