Social Work Student Achievements

THE JULIA NATTLE ‘19’ 20 STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE DIRECT SCHOLARSHIP

Established by a KU social work alumna Julia Nattle to provide recognition and financial assistance to outstanding undergraduate students enrolled at Kutztown University. 

One scholarship in the amount of $ 500.00 will be given to a selected senior Bachelor of Social Work student in the Fall and Spring semesters. Students can receive this scholarship only once.  

SOCIAL WORK PRIZE: CELEBRATING DIVERSITY 

This cash prize is awarded yearly to the social work major (or group of majors, up to 4 in a group) who can best express what celebrating diversity means in their personal experience. 

The purpose is to demonstrate the social work department's deliberate effort to increase our students' own sense of diversity and celebrate their individuality and difference.

2024 winners  

Tia Cooper (BSW)

Aleah Grimshaw (MSW)

2023 winners  

Adriana Lopez Guerrero (BSW)

Children of immigrants

2022 winners  

La-Eleya Unique Lopez (BSW)

Celines Valero (MSW)

2021 winners

  

Aleah Grimshaw (BSW)

Interview with Aleah Grimshaw (BSW)

Michael Piora (MSW)

Rebekah Brossman (MSW)

WHAT DOES DIVERSITY MEAN TO ME?

professional Inventory Meeting Award

Established by the Kutztown University Department of Social Work to recognize two top students who perform the best during the Professional Inventory Meeting as rated by the Faculty members.  â€‹

The students are rated on 1) knowledge of social work, 2) quality of presentation, 3) preparation, organization and delivery of the presentation, and 4) use of examples to support concepts.

The winners receive a certificate of recognition and monetary award. Their names are also be recognized on the “Wall of Fame” in the Social Work Department.  â€‹

  • 1st place – $ 100.00 â€‹
  • 2nd place – $ 50.00 â€‹

DEAN'S SCHOLAR AND STAND OUT STUDENT AWARDS

Carolyn Rene

2021 Dean's Scholar

Sara Garman

2021 Dean's Scholar

Marshae Batchelor

2021 Dean's Scholar

Katelyn Scott

2021 Dean's Scholar

Jullian Hortan

2021 Dean's Scholar

Julia Hansen

2021 Dean's Scholar

Jeneil Jones

2021 Dean's Scholar

Hadley-Rae Fout

2021 Dean's Scholar

Donna Ayers

2021 Dean's Scholar

Carolyn Rene profile
Sara Garman profile
Marshae Batchelor
Katelyn Scott
Jullian Hortan
Julia Hansen
Jeneil Jones
Hadley-Rae Fout
Donna Ayers

Stand Out Student 2020

Carolyn Rene

Stand Out Student 2020

Sara Garman

Dean's Scholar 2020

Carolyn Rene

Dean's Scholar 2020

Elizabeth Hahn

Dean's Scholar 2019

James Wilkie

Dean's Scholar 2019

Robyn Weaver

Dean's Scholar 2019

Travis Stoudt

Dean's Scholar 2019

Lisa Lowrie

Dean's Scholar 2019

Barbe Fogarty

Dean's Scholar 2019

Ashley Chavez

Dean's Scholar 2019

Caleb Baukman

Dean's Scholar 2020

Ana Tuzio

Dean's Scholar 2020

Julia Laudadio

Carolyn Rene
Sara Garman
Carolyn Rene
Elizabeth Hahn
James Wilkie
Robyn Weaver
Travis Stoudt
Lisa Lowrie
Barbe Fogarty
Ashley Chavez
Caleb Baukman
Ana Tuzio
Julia Laudadio

School Social Work Grant

Sheryl McKlveen, DSW Student

Senator Judy Schwank and Dr. Kathy Metrick of Kutztown Strong

Sheryl McKlveen, DSW Student, acquired a $65,000 grant under Kutztown Strong to bring School Social Work to the area’s School Districts (October 16, 2020)

Noteworthy achievements

Student and Faculty member standing in front of presentation screen

Doctor of Social Work Student Presents at Prestigious Conferences

Alice Fischer, a Doctor of Social Work student, and Dr. John Vafeas presented "Developing an Academic School Social Work Research Center: A Partnership with the Practice Community" at the annual program meeting of the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Friday, Oct. 27, Atlanta, Ga. They also presented in October at the PA Chapter of the National Association of Social Work on "Do It for The Money! School Social Work Salary Trends and Economic Justice," a study of school social workers' salary trends in the state of Pennsylvania from 2015 to 2023.  

Human Diversity Social Justice Award

2022 winner

Maya Evans, BSW major

Recognizes a Kutztown University student that embodies an ongoing commitment to critical social justice work in work and action demonstrated through campus and community activities.

Social Work and Criminal Justice Major, Marshae Batchelor, named to KU Council of Trustees -2020

MARSHAE BATCHELOR

KU Council of Trustees Appointment

Social Work and Criminal Justice Major, Marshae Batchelor, named to KU Council of Trustees -2020

Faculty and student working with a child on a computer

SOCIAL WORK PHI ALPHA SERVICE PROJECT - 2020

SOCIAL WORK PHI ALPHA SERVICE PROJECT - 2020

This past fall semester, the Kutztown University Mu Gamma Chapter of Phi Alpha (the National Honor Society of Social Work Scholars) lived up to the Phi Alpha slogan of “Through Knowledge-The Challenge to Serve.” Chapter members volunteered to “adopt” an underserved fifth grade classroom in the Allentown School District and assisted students with researching their country of origin. The students made posters of their research to share with family members and the entire school at their International Day Celebration. Phi Alpha members are looking to sustain this mentoring/support effort as it is well received by the students and teachers.
     Ed Hanna, faculty adviser, Phi Alpha Honor Society

Graduate Center entrance at night, lit by bright streetlamps

McKenzie Hollenbach, MSW, MPA, assistant director for the KU Office of Disability Services: Specialized Programs

Sen. Boscola Introduces Kimberly Morales (KU BSW Intern) to the Senate of PA :: November 19, 2019