Celebrating 40 years of service
Graduate School of Social Work celebrates its 40th anniversary today
Jered Fisher
jeredf@vg.pdx.edu
Today, the PSU Graduate School of Social Work (GSSW) is hosting a symposium and luncheon to celebrate the school’s 40th anniversary. In its 40 years of existence, the school boasts over 200 partnerships with local and regional social service organizations.
“For more than 40 years, PSU’s Graduate School of Social Work has been educating highly competent social work professionals and attracting millions of research dollars to the university,” the dean of the GSSW, James Ward, said.
The symposium, taking place between 7:30-11:30 a.m. will be held in the Smith Memorial Student Union Ballroom. The symposium will consist of a continental breakfast and symposium, eight break-out sessions, and a public conversation to “explore strategies, innovations and solutions to help guide public policy and perspectives on human services in turbulent times,” as stated in the GSSW press release. The cost is $25 for the symposium.
The luncheon, taking place from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m. in the Ballroom will host George Passadore as the key note speaker. Passadore, a retired CEO of Wells Fargo Oregon Region, “will share his vision for a better Oregon and explore the impact of Oregon’s only graduate school of social work on the state and region,” as advertised in the GSSW’s press release. The luncheon will cost attendees $75. The proceeds from the anniversary will be used for funding student scholarships. All events are open to the public.
In September 1962, the GSSW became the then-Portland State College’s first graduate program. The school affirmed its accreditation in 1964, the same day its first 15 students graduated.
“The School has provided countless hours of community service to help individuals, families and children, and enhance the overall quality of life within our community,” Ward said. “Therefore we graciously celebrate our past accomplishments as we simultaneously embrace the vision and commitment of helping our community to effectively care for its most vulnerable people during these turbulent times and in the future.”