As the University moves into its 50th anniversary, the School of Social Welfare is excited about its 36th year as part of the University’s history.  We have graduated thousands of social workers who are making a difference in the lives of communities, individuals and families.  Some are serving as presidents and CEOs of major social and human service organizations, and others have branched out into previously unchartered social work territory.  Among them are human relations employees in banks, governmental relations directors for public and private universities, vice presidents of public and private colleges and universities, elder care consultants, and marketing and public relations directors.

            We have two additional locations where we now offer classes or seminars – Stony Brook Manhattan and at Stony Brook Southampton.  Because of our presence in Manhattan, we have increased our enrollment in the MSW and BSW programs.  We believe our recent link to the Southampton, eastern Long island area, will bring us the same success.

            I am happy to profile three of our faculty associates in this edition of In the Loop.  Most of you know Edie Lundgren, who began her work here, in her teens, before the first class graduated.  She has been an anchor and historian of the School. She continues to enjoy working here and remembers the day in 1972 that I came to the School for my interview.  It has been a great joy spending all these years working with Edie.

            Kathy Albin, who came to the School in 1979 has had “a hand” in helping all students “enter and exit” the School since her arrival.  There is no one since 1979 who has not had contact with Kathy.  In fact, at graduations, Kathy gets the loudest and most sustained applause when she is introduced.   This is truly a profound acknowledgement of her value and help she provides to the students.

            John Colon is a relative newcomer, having joined us five years ago.  Most of his work is in Manhattan.  He is extremely well connected to the Hispanic/Latino communities and this has paid off handsomely in recruiting students from these communities.  He has served me extremely well as we negotiated memorandums of understanding with New York City based community colleges.  Because of Johnny’s warm and engaging personality he has opened many doors for the School, thereby increasing our opportunities to be successful in Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens.

            Please let me know by e-mail what you are doing.  We regularly honor our alumni and/or share with the university community the success of our graduates.  My e-mail address is fbrisbane@notes.cc.sunysb.edu.