VCU School of Social Work

The Power of Personal Philanthropy
The Summer 2008 issue of The Power of Personal Philanthropy published by the VCU Office of Advancement features an article entitled, “Social work fellowship provides writing refuge,” that tells of the new McGrath-Morris Fellowship and the experience it provided to the first award recipient, Dr. Lori Thomas. Of course, Lori is currently featured on the front page of the School website. Her interview provides first-hand insight into the extraordinary personal value of the creative award developed by 2005 alumna Patty McGrath Morris and her husband, Jamie Morris, that provides a two-week writing retreat at the Morrises’ Tesuque, NM casita, as well as a $1,000 stipend for travel and other expenses. For the complete article, go to www.advancement.vcu.edu/donors/communications.html .

2008 Young Professional Award
The Association of University Centers on Disabilities AUCD) has selected 2006 alumna Dr. Mel Bellin to receive the 2008 Young Professional Award in recognition of her contributions to the Association and the disabilities field. The award will be presented at a special ceremony during the AUCD Annual Meeting on November 12, 2008. Congratulations, Mel !

Additionally, a review of Mel’s impressive research, “The sibling experience: What is revealed in the largest study ever on Spina Bifida siblings?,” is presented in the Summer 2008 issue of Insights Into Spina Bifida, the quarterly magazine published by the Spina Bifida Association (SBA) for parents and professionals caring for youths with the disabling birth defect. The review was taken from Mel’s recent presentation given at SBA’s Annual Conference. To view a summary of the presentation or of the sibling study, visit www.spinabifidaassociation.org.

Hans S. Falck Lectureship Series on Social Responsibility
Dr. Theresa Clark, a 1997 School of Social Work graduate, and an elementary student when the Prince Edward County public schools closed in 1959, is a featured panelist in the Hans S. Falck Lectureship Series on Social Responsibility presentation, “Civil Rights and Race Relationships in Virginia Public Education: A Case Study in Social Change.” The Richmond Peace Education Center, VCU School of Social Work and the William Byrd Community House are co-sponsoring the lecture, which will be presented Thursday, October 23, 2008, 7:00 PM, at the St. Andrews School Auditorium, 236 South Laurel Street, Richmond, VA 23220. For additional information go to http://www.wbch.org.

William Byrd Community House is pleased to announce the next lecture in its Hans S. Falck Lectureship on Social Responsibility Series entitled: Civil Rights and Race Relations in Virginia Public Education: A Case Study in Social Change. The Richmond Peace Education Center and VCU School of Social Work have joined with the William Byrd Community House as co-sponsors. (The VCU School of Social Work has approved the event for .2 CEUs.)

The lecture will confront the issue of integration and segregation in Virginia Schools in the 1950’s and 60’s by bringing together a panel of people who experienced firsthand the closing of Prince Edward County Public Schools during this tumultuous time.

When: Thursday, October 23, 2008
7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m.

Where: St. Andrew’s School Auditorium
236 S Laurel St., Richmond, VA 23220

Pre-registration is not required. There is no charge for attendance. Participants may register for CEUS by completing a CEU registration form and making a check payable to the VCU School of Social Work in the amount of $15 on the evening of the event. No cash or credit cards will be accepted for this purpose.

For additional information and directions call: 804-643-2717 or visit the WBCH website at:
http://www.wbch.org/go/news/