Social Work Celebrates a Milestone Anniversary

It started out as a concentration in the 1970s, then grew into a bachelor's degree program. A master's degree will soon be added. To celebrate 50 years of preparing students to make a difference in the world, Siena's social work department gathered to take a look back - and forward.

More than 100 faculty, students and alumni from the program came to campus November 2 for a celebration that featured a keynote by Emeritus Professor Bob Rivas, MSW, who spoke about what inspires - and what troubles - those who dedicate their careers to fighting oppression and injustice.

"The social work program is very much attached to the values of Siena College," said Cynthia Bott, Ph.D., associate professor and department chair. "It's about promoting conditions that encourage respect for human diversity and being committed to justice and the protection of human rights - as the College's mission states, making the world 'a more just, peaceable and humane place.'"

Elisa Martin, Ph.D., associate professor, noted the timing of the celebration as the social work program marks 50 years at the College, while it awaits New York state approval for a new master's degree program. Davina Mayo Dunham '20, assistant vice president for mission and event organizer (and social work alumna) agreed.

"The celebration was such a wonderful way to mark the evolution of social work at Siena as it transitioned from a concentration to a fully accredited body, and now with a master's program soon to be added," said Mayo Dunham. "'Through the Decades' was the chosen theme to not only depict the physical transformation of the program but to also show how society, social movements, and the rapid change of technology shifted the practice and development of future social workers."

There was even an interactive trivia session between program veterans - the "Baked" team - and rookies of the "Half-Baked" squad.

Bott said graduates with a social work degree can pursue a number of different career trajectories, whether in individual or group therapy, field work, academia, or advocating for new policy and funding.

"You're never locked into one path," she explained. "If you value quality of life for all and you want to make the world a better place, then social work could be the field for you. It will be challenging of course, but also incredibly rewarding,"