Advancing Global Social Work

The Susheila & C.V. Swaminathan and Doris & William Higgins International Opportunities Fund, established by Dr. Chathapuram (Ram) Ramanathan (MSW ’81, PhD ’88) and Stephen Higgins (MSW ’81), reflects a shared commitment to global social work and cross-cultural understanding. This fund honors a multi-family legacy of compassion, education, and service while enabling social work students at the University of Illinois to gain transformative international experiences. Through study abroad and fieldwork opportunities in India, the fund equips students to become well-rounded professionals who can embrace diversity and lead in an interconnected world.

Both Ram and Steve bring decades of social work experience, advocacy, and leadership to this endeavor. Their vision is grounded in the belief that engaging with diverse cultures fosters deeper empathy, reciprocal learning, and global citizenship, preparing students to address societal challenges with innovative and inclusive approaches. The fund’s namesakes, Susheila and C.V. Swaminathan and Doris and William Higgins, were inspiring role models who valued education, service, and compassion. Susheila and C.V. Swaminathan emphasized intellectual curiosity, cultural fluency, and humanity in their lives, with C.V. holding top academic honors and Susheila mastering multiple languages and arts. Doris and William Higgins, who modeled generosity and resilience, instilled in Steve the importance of lifelong learning and inclusion. By honoring their parents, Ram and Steve extend these enduring values to future generations of social workers.

Read the full bio from Ram and Steve

If you would like to honor the Swaminathan and Higgins families and provide support for student opportunities in India, please visit the Make a Gift page and indicate that your gift is for the Susheila & C.V. Swaminathan & Doris Ann & William Higgins International Opportunities Fund-11777893.

You may also contact Nathan Goebel in the SSW Office of Advancement with any questions or to discuss additional opportunities to make an impact through philanthropy. Thank you for supporting the social work profession and the communities we serve across the globe!