School of Social Welfare University at Albany

05/19/2026

Oh nothing… just casually scrolling through the UAlbany magazines and spotting amazing grad pictures from the past weekend🤭

Congratulations to the Class of 2026 🎓💜

05/19/2026

Dr. Melanie Sage was the speaker at our 2023 Dr. Katharine Briar-Lawson Lecture and shared her expertise on the use of AI and technology in social work. We send our condolences to her family and friends during this difficult time.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Dr. Melanie Sage, LCSW, on Friday. We extend our profound condolences to her husband, Todd Sage, and her family, friends, colleagues, and students. Dr. Sage was a visionary leader, educator, and researcher who pioneered the integration of technology and digital literacy into social work practice. Her dedication to the profession, passion for equity, and impactful mentorship leave an indelible mark on our community. She and Dr. Laurel Hitchcock, LICSW-S, were guests on our Social Work Month Facebook Live in March to discuss a book they edited, "101 Things To Do With A Social Work Degree." It was amazing discussion and we are so glad she was able to share her deep knowledge of the profession. Rest in peace, Dr. Sage. Your legacy lives on in the countless lives you touched and inspired.

05/19/2026

On to the next adventure ✨🎓
To the Class of 2026 - your compassion, resilience, and dedication to creating change inspire us every day. As this chapter comes to a close, we can’t wait to see the impact you’ll make in the communities and lives you touch. 💜

A special congratulations from Provost Carol Kim celebrating the incredible Class of 2026!

05/18/2026

Mastered it 📚✨

You came to change the world, and left with an MSW to prove it! Congratulations to our MSW graduates ✨

05/17/2026

It all started 4 years ago… and then, just like that, they’re crossing the stage. 💜✨

Congratulations to our BSW graduates! The world is brighter because you’re a social worker in it💛

05/14/2026

We kicked off commencement festivities by honoring our LGBTQ+ and allied graduates at the University at Albany’s Lavender Celebration 💜🌈

A huge congratulations to our part-time lecturer, Jen Maley-Wheeler, for receiving the Unsung Hero Award! Your dedication and impact on our community continue to inspire us all. ✨

Congratulations to all of our graduates being celebrated! 🎓

05/01/2026

School of Social Welfare students presenting their research at the 4th Annual Showcase Day!

04/29/2026

What a wonderful event!

CSWE’s President & CEO, Dr. Halaevalu Vakalahi, had the honor of delivering a keynote tribute to Katharine Briar-Lawson, professor and Dean of the School of Social Welfare at the University at Albany, during the school’s annual Briar-Lawson Lecture.

The event was especially meaningful as Dr. Briar-Lawson and her husband, Hal Lawson, served as Dr. Vakalahi’s mentors. Both are retiring and starting their next chapter—one that will undoubtedly continue their lasting impact on social work education and the communities they serve.

A powerful reminder shared during the tribute: I maikaʻi ke kalo i ka ʻohā. (The goodness of the taro is judged by the young plant it produces).

Pictured (l-r) Dr. Dawn Anderson-Butcher, Ohio State University; Drs. Katharine Briar-Lawson and Hal Lawson, University at Albany; Dr. Halevalu Vakahali, CSWE; Dr. Kristen Wilcox, University at Albany.

04/21/2026

✨STUDENT SPOTLIGHT! ✨ Today we are highlighting the accomplishments of MSW student Erin Forkin.

Erin was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in her senior year of high school, is conducting research on the impact school social workers can have on adolescents as they navigate a diabetes diagnosis.

Forkin’s research is a part of a course assignment for SSW 607: Integrated Theory and Practice III: Collaborative Planning and Intervention, a first-year course for MSW students. Taught by Assistant Professor Angie Wootton, the course allows students to either complete a traditional paper or propose a research poster for UAlbany Showcase as their final project.

Erin will present her research project from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Broadview Arena at UAlbany on April 30. ✨💜

To read the full article on her research, visit the link below or in our story!

https://www.albany.edu/cihs/news/2026-showcase-2026-type-1-diabetes-and-social-work

04/21/2026

A lil peek into my week 👀
Monday = Belonging Center (Director: Sam LMSW)
Tuesday = Perella Counseling Center (Director: Dani LCSW)

Same mission, different spaces, SAME DEGREE!!
Being a social worker in higher ed means meeting people where they are, even when that place changes every day!!!Grateful to be in spaces where I can support, advocate, and grow alongside students 🤍