UW-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work

09/10/2026

Read more https://socwork.wisc.edu/2026/09/10/mmsd-board-of-education-renames-school-to-ada-deer-elementary/

09/08/2026

“I was fortunate to spend time with Gloria Steinem on a number of occasions,” says Maureen Pelton, MSW ‘86

"She was a fierce advocate for humanity’s potential if half the population could have equity and equality. As a social worker, I have a systems view and approach, which Gloria embodied and vocalized with such grace. Women’s rights are human rights.”

One of Maureen Pelton’s, MSSW ‘86, lifelong commitments has been her leadership and work to empower women. Following Gloria Steinem’s recent passing, Maureen shared her memories (some quite recent) of meeting and working with Gloria Steinem. “I was fortunate to spend time with Gloria on sev...

09/08/2026

"The State of Working Wisconsin" is published every Labor Day and is co-authored by Clinical Associate Professor Dr. Laura Dresser. According to High Roads Strategy Center, "For three decades, we’ve followed the trends shaping working people’s lives, from wages, jobs and unions to the challenges and opportunities facing Wisconsin’s economy. This year’s report also takes a closer look at affordability and the vital contributions immigrant workers make to communities and workplaces across our state."

The State of Working Wisconsin 2026 is now live!

Since 1996, The State of Working Wisconsin has tracked how Wisconsin’s economy is working for the people who make it run. This year marks our 30th anniversary of this report.

For three decades, we’ve followed the trends shaping working people’s lives, from wages, jobs and unions to the challenges and opportunities facing Wisconsin’s economy. This year’s report also takes a closer look at affordability and the vital contributions immigrant workers make to communities and workplaces across our state.

Three decades in, the questions remain as important as ever: How are Wisconsin’s workers doing, and what can we do to build an economy that works for everyone?

Read the full report: www.WorkingWI.org

09/02/2026

Congratulations to three grads who finished their PhDs in Social Welfare this summer!

07/31/2026

🌟 Happy National Intern Day! 🌟

Each year, Family Voices of Wisconsin is proud to welcome interns through the UW-Madison Sandra Rosenbaum School of Social Work as well as the Wisconsin Board for People with Developmental Disabilities. Their passion, fresh perspectives, and dedication help strengthen our work and better serve families across Wisconsin.

This year, you have seen easy-to-understand policy updates, advocacy efforts, and helpful information for navigating care from Amber. You've also discovered easy-to-implement self-care tips and thoughtful guidance on navigating care as a family from Jordan—and so much more!

Thank you to our interns for sharing your talents, creativity, and commitment. We are truly grateful to be part of your journey.🧡

07/27/2026

Congratulations Ady Phillips, BSW '26 on this impactful change agent project!

Read more: https://socwork.wisc.edu/2026/07/23/student-change-agent-project-to-be-used-by-county-agencies/

07/09/2026

Congratulations to doctoral candidate, Katarina Craig, who is one of the 2026 Equity First Summer Associates to Chapin Hall! 🎉 (Photo bottom left). She is one of six students participating in six weeks of intensive professional development to learn the complex realities of conducting culturally responsive and racially equitable research in applied settings. We wish them a fruitful experience.

Copy and paste this link to see the full post from Chapin Hall https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1EWVes5Cau/

07/09/2026

Congratulations, Dr. Gerassi!

06/24/2026

It is with great sadness that we recently learned of the untimely passing of our alumna and friend, Olivia “Liv” Maria Orencia.

Olivia graduated with a BSW in 2019 and an MSW in 2020 and served as a Field Supervisor and guest speaker for classes in the school while working as a social worker at UW Health and Agrace Hospice Care.

Clinical Assistant Professor Jaime Goldberg shared this remembrance:
"I had the privilege of working with Olivia at UW Health and later invited her to guest lecture in several of my classes, where she shared her extensive knowledge and experience as a healthcare social worker. Olivia was exceptionally sharp, deeply compassionate, and uniquely talented—a fierce advocate for the patients and families in her care. In the classroom, she had a rare gift for instantly connecting with students and inspiring them to be their best. I am going to miss working with her tremendously."

Senior Field Instructor/Lecturer Tim Latimer, shared:
"Olivia was a strong advocate and a compassionate supporter for patients and families. Olivia provided valuable guidance and mentorship to many students completing field work."

We extend our deepest sympathy to her fiancé John, her family, friends, and to all who knew and loved Olivia. She will be greatly missed.
https://defiorefuneral.com/obituaries/3094/olivia-orencia-

06/23/2026

Faculty from the school help facilitate a new UW-Madison program called, "Fostering Success for Independent Badger Scholars."

“Anything that we can do to wrap support around them can be helpful in better outcomes,” says Clinical Associate Professor, Alice Egan.

Educational outcomes for students who have experienced foster care are problematic. For the small percentage of foster kids who go to college, making it to graduation is difficult given the constellation of factors often present in the lives of young people who experienced foster care, including and...