FROM THE OFFICE
OF THE DEAN

Dear GSS Community,

The New Year and a new semester always bring a renewed sense of possibility. 

As we welcome our spring semester MSW class, I’m inspired by their commitment and the hope they each represent for the future of the social work profession.

After more than two years of remote classes and meetings, I revel in the simple joy of being fully back on campus this year. As I walk the halls, I watch students rushing to class, a sense of purpose on their faces and the air buzzing with conversation. I revel in the simple joy of greeting a colleague or glimpsing through the window of a classroom and seeing a faculty member engaged with a room of eager students. 

As Fordham’s campuses rejuvenate with new energy this year, we also get to enjoy a number of important events up close and in person. Members of the GSS community, faculty, students, and staff, were able to attend the first in-person Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Program Meeting (APM) since the COVID-19 pandemic began. It was wonderful to watch as GSS faculty members shared their research and expertise with social work colleagues from across the country. And it was such a pleasure to make connections with new colleagues and enjoy the company of old friends.     

If you attended APM, I hope we were able to cross paths. If you couldn’t attend this year, please enjoy our CSWE APM recap and a few photos.

The social work profession and social work education share a commitment to serve society's most vulnerable, oppressed, and marginalized individuals, families, and communities. The stories we share in this edition of our magazine highlight the critical impact social workers have in our communities every day and the importance of generating new knowledge to advance best practices and social justice.  

I hope as you read about our outstanding GSS community of students, faculty, alumni, and administration, you experience the same sense of renewal, hope, and appreciation that this New Year has brought to me.

Thank you for being such a critical part of our GSS and Fordham mission. Happy New Year!

Debra M. McPhee, Ph.D.

Dean

Graduate School of Social Service