Dear School of Social Work Community,
 
Every year tells a story. This year has been marked by resilience, creativity, and a shared commitment to advancing justice in uncertain times.
 
Our stories showcase the many ways our students, alumni, faculty, staff, and community partners are advancing social work in child welfare, under-resourced communities, public libraries, and across global contexts. Through cross-sector collaboration, they’re showing what’s possible for the profession — both in imagination and practice.
 
The work we’re doing is guided by a clear sense of purpose, and our drive to innovate shows up in how we enact this purpose. Faculty are advancing trauma-informed approaches, applying AI and other digital tools to improve health outcomes, and shaping statewide policy through translational research. These efforts are grounded in real-world practice, and they’re making a tangible impact.
 
Building on that momentum, we’re also expanding our global partnerships. This year, staff participated in a professional exchanges with colleagues abroad, and students engaged in fieldwork focused on community health and international social development. These experiences deepen our understanding of global inequities and expand our ability to support community-driven solutions, both internationally and here in Illinois.
 
That same spirit of partnership infuses our community engagement, which continues to be a space for some of our most creative efforts. This year, it took shape in neighborhood history tours that reconnected us with the stories of place, in expressive arts collaborations that opened new channels for healing and dialogue, and in field placements embedded in local agencies. These all serve as reminders that social work is sustained through meaningful relationships and a deep connection to place.
 
Our students and alumni carry much of this work forward. Their engagement is visible in undergraduate research, field experiences, and community-based partnerships. New scholarships and funding, like the Brandt Fellowship, help to support this engagement and are reducing financial barriers, ensuring more students can pursue meaningful learning in high-impact settings.
 
We’re proud of the work we’re doing together. Thank you for taking part in this story! No matter how you are connected to the School—whether through teaching, mentorship, support, or other sustained engagement, we appreciate your commitment.
 
Warmly,
Ben Lough
Dean and Professor