Scholarship recipients and donors were brought together for an evening last week, with the School of Social Work hosting its second annual Scholarship Awards reception Thursday, Sept. 25.
The night celebrated the accomplishments of award recipients, while honoring the support of the scholarship donors to the School of Social Work. Four scholarships – the Dr. Neta Kolasa Scholarship, Joan Gerstein Memorial Scholarship, Marilyn Zide Scholarship and John M. Riley Memorial Scholarship – were formally awarded to seven students.
“These are not just checks, not just names,” said Dr. Debra McPhee, dean of Barry University’s School of Social Work. “Our donors are people devoted themselves to the development of our students, the school and to the profession of social work. They represent a commitment that our school wouldn’t be the same without.”
Scholarship donors or representatives were on hand to formally present the awards, many supported by family members, as well as faculty and administrators from Barry’s School of Social Work. The event acted as not just an awards presentation, but also an opportunity for donors to meet those students benefiting from their scholarships.
“I view these four young women as children of my spirit,” said Dr. Neta Kolasa. “I hope that this will encourage you to go on to make a change.”
Student recipients were also asked to give short presentations, accepting each award and acknowledging the significance to their academic and future professional careers.
“I consider it to be a responsibility and a challenge,” said Shereece Benson, one of four recipients of the Dr. Neta Kolasa scholarship. “As I go into my work, I need to make sure that I fulfill social justice and embody what this scholarship is about.”
A full list of scholarships awarded and recipients is below:
Dr. Neta Kolasa Scholarship
Abbey Danneman
Shereece Benson
Lenora Stafford
Katina Gamboa
Marilyn Zide Memorial Scholarship
Mary O’Hearn
Joan Gerstein Memorial Scholarship
Amanda Mor
John M. Riley Memorial Scholarship
Gennessy Martinez
