UMBC’s graduating Class of 2024 knows a thing or two about resilience. Many of this year’s 1,900-plus graduates began their collegiate journey at the onset of a global pandemic. Continue Reading A resilient Class of 2024 celebrates its successes
Amy Caballero graduated from UMBC 2022 with her bachelor’s degree in social work. She stayed on at the Shady Grove campus to complete her master’s in social work from the University of Maryland, Baltimore, and she graduates this May. She has a job lined up as a youth development specialist at a local nonprofit. Outside of academia, she says, she’s obsessed with her two dogs, enjoys bouldering, reading fiction and manga, and hanging out with friends. Take it away, Amy! Q: What’s the one thing you’d want someone to know about the support you find at UMBC? A: The support… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Amy Caballero ’22, new social worker with strong ties to UMBC-Shady Grove
Meet Hyojin Choi, a double major in psychology and social work at UMBC at The Universities at Shady Grove. A transfer student, Hyojin is an active member of the peer advisory team and president of the Psychology Student Association—all while also serving as a social work intern at the Housing Opportunities Commission of Montgomery County, Maryland. In fact, he looks forward to working there after graduation. Take it away, Hyojin! Q: What do you love about your internship? A: As an intern at HOC, I have learned much about how housing works in the United States and the many challenges… Continue Reading Meet a Retriever—Hyojin Choi, psychology and social work major and student leader
UMBC’s Nancy Kusmaul, associate professor of social work, a scholar and advocate for the rights of older adults and professional caregivers, received the “Outstanding Individual in Academia” award from the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy in March 2024 at a ceremony on Capitol Hill. Kusmaul’s work is informed by her 10 years of experience as a social worker and over a decade of novel scholarship. Continue Reading Nancy Kusmaul, social work, receives “Outstanding Individual in Academia” award from the Congressional Research Institute for Social Work and Policy
Kerri Evans, assistant professor at UMBC’s School of Social Work, worked with faculty from two universities to identify three main barriers for adult asylum-seekers and other immigrants who wanted to go to college or get advanced degrees. Continue Reading Higher education can be elusive for asylum-seekers and immigrants
Very few Retrievers can say they’ve spent as many years on campus or enjoyed quite so many roles in doing so as Joan Costello ’73, social work. From her first days as a student and student worker; to 41 years as a staff member in the library, audiovisual (AV) services, and multimedia center; to her current role as basketball season ticket holder, committee member of the Founding Four, and board member of the Wisdom Institute—UMBC’s organization for retired staff and faculty—Costello shares why she’s chosen to make UMBC her second home for more than 50 years. The first days I… Continue Reading Retriever for Life
Learning and play can look a lot alike. Both call for creativity, curiosity, practice, and reflection. That’s why some Retrievers are combining the two. Continue Reading Game Changers
Isolation, emotional neglect, and fear of life-threatening disease may bring up past traumas for caregivers to manage, cautions social work professor. Continue Reading Nursing home residents and staff are traumatized from the pandemic—collaborative care can help with recovery
Theresa Bruce didn’t set out to be a teacher—she had her sights set on being a hot-shot lawyer. So how to explain her last decade as a city teacher? Continue Reading Finding Joy in the Classroom
Online classes have changed the game for a specific population—former students who paused their education are returning to complete their degrees. Continue Reading Finish Line in Sight
Sarah Christa Butts ’07 is used to battling big societal problems. Now she’s working to make sure social workers are themselves are adequately protected. Continue Reading Who Cares for the Caregivers?
“You committed to academic excellence,” said Carolyn Tice, associate dean of social work at UMBC, “but you also demonstrated a commitment to community and overwhelming service to people—people who are often left behind.” Continue Reading UMBC honors social work students for commitment to social change
