Alumni

Why I Give

Hear from Elizabeth Mulvaney, LCSW, Direct Practice Chair and Clinical Assistant Professor at Pitt School of Social Work

Elizabeth Mulvaney, LCSW

Direct Practice Chair and Clinical Assistant Professor, University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work

Please tell us more about your role at Pitt Social Work.

The central part of my work for the past 11 years has been teaching master’s and bachelor’s degree students. I am energized by having the chance to learn from such talented groups of emerging social workers.

I began working part time for the school in 2005 as its first Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education (HPPAE) coordinator, which allowed me to encourage more people to pursue geriatric social work (something I still do). For the past two years, I have been doing a bit more administratively by serving as the Direct Practice chair for the MSW Program.

What motivates you to give back to the school?

As someone who has mostly worked in the nonprofit sector, I have always thought I need to believe in the mission and work of my employer. And if I believe in it, I need to support my employer in the same way that I would support other causes. I believe in our students; I believe in the service they will provide to people, families, and communities; and I believe in their potential to transform our world little bit by little bit. I know my donations help to enable them to do that.

Do you support a specific fund or program at the school?

While my donations support many aspects of the school (such as scholarships), I always dedicate part of my giving to the HPPAE and gerontology programs in the school. We are an aging society that has not reimagined the way our systems are designed to take advantage of the potential that new reality offers. I am excited to see how our gerontology students are working to eliminate ageism and shape new ways for people to thrive at all ages.

What other causes or organizations do you support?

I financially support a variety of causes, including social services, legal services, education, health and aging interests, and the arts. I also volunteer time and effort in the area of aging, particularly with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Partnership for Aging and Age-Friendly Greater Pittsburgh.

giveto.pitt.edu/giveSOC