Kay A. Strawder, JD, MSW '74, was presented with the 2005 Distinguished Alumni Award by the School of Social Welfare during its annual Distinguished Alumni Award luncheon held on November 4, 2005.  She has been the Women’s health Coordinator for the Region IX office on Women’s Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, since 1995.  Ms. Strawder is responsible for providing leadership to promote health equity for women and girls through gender-specific approaches at three levels: state and Pacific Island jurisdiction governments, health and wellness systems, and consumers. 

Ann Gilbert ’76, resides in Charlotte, NC.  Is retired as a college administrator and instructor, fund raiser, public relations manager, hospital administrator and most importantly parent. 

Sarah Billups ’77, was named Social Worker of the Year by the New York State Chapter, Suffolk County Region, of the National Association of Social Workers during its award ceremony on Oct 28, 2005 at the Islandia Marriott.

Jacqueline Meehan ’97, is currently living in Tucson AZ with her husband and their 13 cats and dogs.  Is obviously active in animal rescue.  Is licensed as a social worker and as a substance abuse counselor.  Is very to be a cervical cancer survivor and is working to form her own non-profit organization. 

Mark Zilberman, ACSW ’97. is employed by North Star Care & Guidance, Psychiatric & Geriatric Care Management in Metro, New York City.

Elsie Owens, MSW ’78, longtime health and civil rights activist and 2004 recipient of Stony Brook's "Distinguished Alumni Award for Public Service", passed away on July 23, 2005 after a long battle with heart disease.  The recipient of numerous awards, including the National Association of Social Workers "Social Worker of the Year Award" and the 1991 "Woman of the Year Award" from the Town of Brookhaven, Elsie served on the President's Diversity Council. She was named President of the School of Social Welfare Dean's Advisory Committee in 1998 by Dean Frances Brisbane, and in 2000 she received the School of Social Welfare "Distinguished Alumni Award".

Robert Johnson ’90, passed away March 29, 2005. 

Mariolein Rijssenbeek-van den Biesen ’00, passed away on December 7, 2004 after a long illness.  She was a Lecturer in the Department of European Languages, Literatures, and Cultures.  She received a Master of Arts in French and Masters in Social Work degrees from Stony Brook, and a Bachelor of Arts in Dutch and French from the Universiteit van Amsterdam.  Mariolein was a talented, dedicated, and inspiring teacher of French; starting as a TA in the French Department, as an Adjunct teacher, and as Lecturer since 2001.  She was committed to opening up students' minds to the wider world, exposing them to different and conflicting opinions, ideas, and cultures.  She was the recipient of a Presidential Mini-Grant for Innovative Teaching Projects, and together with her students brought out a literary journal of French poetry titled Le Ruisseau.  Her many friends, colleagues and students will miss her.

Andrew Michael ("Drew") Mattison, M.S.W., Ph.D., passed away in San Diego, CA., December 29th, 2005 after a valiant struggle with stomach cancer. Andrew was a medical psychologist and clinical professor in the UCSD department of psychiatry. Andrew and his partner of 34 years were founding members and active participants in many gay and lesbian organizations locally and
nationally, and co-wrote the landmark 1983 book "The Male Couple." Andrew was the western regional, then national, president of the Society for the Scientific Study of Sex (SSSS). Born August 5th, 1948 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Mary (nee Donnelly) and William Mattison, Andrew is survived by his cherished David P. McWhirter, M.D., David's children, Monica and
Paul and their families, siblings William, Laure, Carolyn, Marion and Amy, many adoring in-laws, nephews, nieces, and grandchildren, a beloved extended family, and devoted colleagues and clients, who will all miss him very much.