Alumni
The Alumni Council’s mission is to create consistent opportunities for community and connection among the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work’s students, staff, alumni, and friends. Over the past year, we’ve prioritized understanding how our members prefer to engage and have created a variety of opportunities to strengthen those connections. Our May retreat, bimonthly meetings, and the Pitt homecoming football game brought us together, while workshops, orientation, and classroom appearances helped us to connect with students. We’ve connected to fellow alumni at homecoming, at the annual alumni awards, and through the Alumni Speaker Series. It has been a fulfilling year, and we are committed to continuing to deepen our mission and impact.
MSW Open House Panel
Twice a year, alumni join the admissions and recruitment team for a panel during MSW open houses. These panels are often the highlight of the day for students and prospective students, offering a unique opportunity to connect directly with alumni and hear their experiences.
Resume Workshop
Ke’Amber Ford (MSW ’20) led an interactive resume-writing workshop for BASW students, providing them with practical insights and tools to craft strong, competitive resumes tailored to the social work field.
Retreat
In spring 2024, the Alumni Council gathered for a retreat focused on team building and strategic planning. Discussions centered around how to stay grounded as a team while extending our reach into the social work community.
Orientation
Alumni panelists Sharise Nance (MSW ’06), founder of Vitamin C Healing, and Dev Hayostek (MSW ’23), licensed social worker and HEART clinician at Pitt’s Counseling Center, participated in the School of Social Work’s student orientation, sharing their professional journeys and offering advice to incoming students, setting a tone of support and mentorship for the year ahead.
Fall Student Workshop
Sharise Nance (MSW ’06) led a workshop for students on maintaining wellness and addressing compassion fatigue in social work practice. The session provided practical self-care strategies and insights for balancing the demands of a challenging profession.
Homecoming
Alumni gathered in the Cathedral of Learning Commons Room for the Homecoming Welcome Back Reception. The event was a vibrant celebration of the Pitt community, providing an opportunity for alumni to reconnect and share memories of their time at Pitt.
Homecoming Football Game
Members of the Alumni Council hosted fellow alumni, students, and friends at the Pitt homecoming football game versus Youngstown State University. Go, Panthers!
Alumni Awards
The Alumni Council has always played an integral role in the annual Pitt Social Work Alumni Awards, whether by serving on the selection committee, volunteering at the event, or being honored for their outstanding contributions to the community. The event celebrates the achievements of our alumni and strengthens our bonds as a community.
Alumni Speaker Series
The Alumni Council is a strong partner in planning and facilitating the Alumni Speaker Series. In 2024, Ke’Amber Ford (MSW ’20) hosted a conversation with Katherine Marshall (MSW ’20) exploring her journey into travel social work; Bella Colletti (MSW ’22) led a discussion with Halle Mayes (BASW ’97) about her path to political fundraising; and Ariel Goehring (MSW ’17) spoke with Michael Dubinski (MSW ’21) about his decision to pursue a law degree. These sessions offer valuable insights into nontraditional career trajectories, inspiring students and alumni alike.
We look forward to more opportunities to connect with students, fellow alumni, and the broader community. Interested in getting involved or participating in one of our events? Email sswalums@pitt.edu to learn more!