University of Minnesota
School of Social Work
Recognition Ceremony
May 6, 2012
Ted Mann Concert Hall
From the Director
Dear Graduates,
On behalf of the faculty and staff of the School of Social Work, I join your families and
friends in congratulating you on this special day. Earning your M.S.W. or Ph.D. degree
is, of course, something special, and we celebrate that today.
But one thing in particular that is special to this celebration is
that you are being hooded by your friends and family—persons
close to you who have supported you in this journey. And so we
recognize them as well as you.
As you walk across the stage to receive your hood, you have also
become part of an enduring legacy. You join the thousands of our
alumni who have worked hard to build a just, caring, and inclusive
society. When you accept this symbol of academic achievement,
in a real sense you walk through time to stand with those who have preceded you.
Now it is your turn also to help the School renew its commitment in providing
leadership for a caring society. And so, as you cross this auditorium’s stage to embark
upon a new stage in your career, we offer you a pointed invitation: partner with us in
our work, remain part of this school and its commitment to engagement, teaching and
learning. Join our advisory board, mentor one of our students, and in the future join
our faculty as a field instructor or share your practice wisdom in a classroom.
We welcome you; indeed, we need you.
Congratulations, again, on your academic achievements, and our best wishes for
a successful and fulfilling future.
James R. Reinardy, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Director, School of Social Work
our keynote speaker
Janine Moore
Janine Moore is the Director of Ramsey County Children
and Family Services Division. Her areas of responsibility
include Child Protection Services, Foster Care Licensing,
Adoptions, Child Care Licensing, Delinquent Youth,
Chemical Dependency Services for Pregnant Women,
Voluntary Child Welfare Services and Children’s Mental
Health Services.
The mission of Ramsey County Community Human
Services is to “Survive and Thrive”, and within that Ms. Moore requires that all
county residents receive equitable, respectful and optimal quality services. In
addition to excellent services, she is committed to addressing the issues of
disparities for all children and families. Prior to joining Ramsey County in 2008,
Ms. Moore worked for Hennepin County for more than 20 years in the field of
Social Services as a Financial Worker, Child Protection Social Worker, Supervisor
and Manager. She has committed her life to Child Welfare Services.
Ms. Moore has three children; Christopher, Jordan and DaNae and a beloved
Bullmastiff dog named Howie. She is a Master Trainer, and Curriculum Writer
with the Minnesota Department of Human Services – Child Welfare Training
System, and in 2007 she was awarded the University of Minnesota School of
Social Work Alumna of the Year Award.
Program
Faculty Processional
Welcoming Remarks
James Reinardy, Ph.D.
Director, School of Social Work
Student Emcees
Isolise Barnes and Robert Rossi
Keynote Address
Janine Moore
Director, Ramsey County Children and Family Services Division
Music
“Vigilante Man” by Woody Guthrie
“I’ll Fly Away” by Albert Brumley
Musicians/Performers:
Joel Grostephan, Singer/guitar player
Bob Radspinner, Bass
Josh Braun, Electric Guitar
Presentation and Recognition of Degree Candidates
James Reinardy, Ph.D.
Jean Quam, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Education and Human Development
Cara Cusano, Libby Johnson and Emily Wesely
M.S.W. Students
Presentation of Friedman Award
David Hollister, Ph.D.
Director of Graduate Studies
Closing Remarks
Isolise Barnes and Robert Rossi
Recessional
Reception
School of Social Work Faculty
Lisa Albrecht
Michael Baizerman
Velmer Burton
Peter Dimock
Jeffrey Edleson
Colleen Fisher
Priscilla Gibson
MJ Gilbert
Jane Gilgun
Wendy Haight
David Hollister
Katie Johnston-Goodstar
Linda Jones
Helen Kivnick
Traci LaLiberte
Hee Yun Lee
Elizabeth Lightfoot
Steve Maxwell
Dario Menanteau
Denise Morcomb
Megan Morrissey
Heidi Presslein
Jean Quam
James Reinardy
Ronald Rooney
Patricia Shannon
Jerry Stein
Mark Umbreit
Victoria Van Slyke
Ross VeLure Roholt
Kate Walthour
Esther Wattenberg
Oliver Williams
School of Social Work Class of 2012
Ph.D. Students
Elena Izaksonas
Narae Shin
Shweta Singh
M.S.W. Students
Sarah Ann Adams
Sara Catherine Hamann
Katie Elizabeth Max Olsen
Leanne Yvonne Amy
Lisa Michelle Harig
Kate Elizabeth Olson
Jane-Marie Beaumont Asay
Jennifer R Heldt
Megan Jo Pardy
Isolise Dominique Barnes
Katherine Maria Helgason
Nicole Lyn Patnaude
Nikki Marie Beaudine
Dan Nelson Henry
Erika Lynne Posthumus
Megan Leininger Beukema
Mao Her
Jesslyn Christine Bolt
Maria Elena Hipkins
Candace Jean Borgen
Faith Fischer Holschbach
Tiffany Ann Ramm
Clare Agnes
Rodrigues-Henderson
Bleedee Christine Boye-Weah
Terri Ann Hom
Amber Mae Brunelle
Danielle K. Horan
Lisa Mary Burke
Merga Hirpa Hunde
Kainani Dionne Bye
Marie Diane Johnson
Madeleine Louise Calhoon
Kari Jean Justin
Megan Alyssa Carriveau
Allison Kelly
Wanda Joy Classen
Parmananda Khatiwoda
Katie Rae Cleveland
Whitney Rose Klein
Marie Amelia Connor
Elijah Seleyea Kollie
Tonya Louise Cook
Brent Andrew Krocak
Stephen Anthony DeLong
Soua Lee
Gwen Hellen Dezelske
Cassandra Malloy
Alicia Mae Donahue
Amanda Sarah McDonald
Stacey Anne Endres
Theresa Ann Mensinger
Jenna Gronli Evans
Elizabeth Ann Meyer
Kelly Joanne Evans
Michelle N. Mikelson
Kara Jo Fahey
Marilynn Miller
Brian Flick
Ifrah Yusuf Mohamed
Pamela Jean Fredrickson Sanchez
Sarah Lynn Morris
Rachel Elizabeth Giles
Leah Marie Nasset
Kaela Jean Glass
Rachel Oberg-Hauser
Nicki Marie Graf
Megan O’Brien
Katy Ann Ross
Robb Rossi
Megan L Roy
Joseph Steven Schmidt
Deb Lynn Schmidt
Allison Rose Schmill
Ashley Marlena Sneider
Christina Renae Staebell
Emily L Stevens
Frida Tamrakar
David Stephen Tierschel
Marina Uehara
Shawn Gregory Ullrich
Mai Tong Vang
Anna Marie Vangsness
Kelly Ann Whipple
Tonya Wilhelm
Kristina Renee Wolfe
LeeAnn Woodrum-Oakley
See Xiong
Ker Xiong
Monda Yang
My A Cindi Yang
Parting Words
Ph.D. Students
Many, many thanks to the faculty and staff at the School of Social Work for their ongoing support
over the years. Special appreciation to my family and friends for their faith in my perseverance.
Elena Izaksonas
Sincere thanks to my family, friends, and the staff and faculty at MINCAVA and SSW. I couldn’t have
finished this journey without your support and love.
Narae Shin
M.S.W. Students
A huge thank you to my family and friends who have been so supportive through this process! I am
honored to be a part of this profession and looking forward to the amazing work ahead!
Sarah Ann Adams
I want to thank my family and friends for supporting me through the past year and encouraging me
through the tough times. Thank you to all of my instructors for bring so much into the classroom
every week and inspiring me to keep learning.
Leanne Yvonne Amy
Thank you to all my loved ones who have instilled me with love and peace: “Peace has a great deal
to do with warm-heartedness and respect for the lives of others, avoiding doing them harm and
regarding their lives as being as precious as our own. If, on that basis, we can also be of help to
others, so much the better.” -Dalai Lama
Jane-Marie Beaumont Asay
I’m blessed and I thank God for the ability to accomplish such an amazing achievement. I dedicate
this degree to my grandmother; love and miss you desperately. To my parents, sisters, brother and
my kids Jakaiya and Isaiah, I love you; I could not have done it without you.
Isolise Dominique Barnes
“Be a lamp, or a lifeboat or a ladder. Help someone’s soul heal” -Rumi. I’ve been so inspired by and
appreciative of all my classmates, clients and professors. Thanks to my family and friends for support
and encouragement. Thank you, Travis, for editing my application and cheering me on!
Megan Leininger Beukema
All that is gold does not glitter. -J.R.R. Tolkien
Jesslyn Christine Bolt
I want to thank my friends and family for your encouragement, love, and support. To my family and
Jay, your understanding and help has allowed me to be successful in graduate school and allowed me
to progress in the profession of social work. To my peepsies, this journey would not have been nearly
as great without all the laughs we shared together! Last, but not least, thank you to my faculty, fellow
students, and field instructors for sharing your wisdom; I have learned a lot from all of you.
Candace Jean Borgen
Thanks to God Almighty for the strength and ability that he has given me, to be able to complete
my journey in enduring my masters education. Special thanks to my family and friends for their support,
prayers and encouragement.
Bleedee Christine Boye-Weah
A special thank you to my family who supported me, inspired me, and loved me unconditionally
during this journey. I’m truly grateful to have such amazing people in my life. I wouldn’t be where I am
today without your guidance and love. I love you all. I DID IT!
Amber Mae Brunelle
Thank you to everyone who has supported throughout graduate school; whether it be via copious
quantities of chocolate, good advice, or ruinous shopping sprees.
Lisa Mary Burke
One does not achieve great things alone. A sincere thanks to my family, friends, and mentors.
This accomplishment is a reflection of your undconditional love, encouragement and guidance.
To my grandmother Meg, you have set the standard for strength and resilience and you will always be
an inspiration to me. “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.
It’s not.” -Dr. Seuss
Kainani Dionne Bye
I am humbled by the wisdom, passion, and aptitude that my classmates bring to the field of social work.
You have been some of my greatest teachers on this journey. Many thanks to Dad, Jess, Jenny, and Maia.
I don’t know what I’d do without you!
Madeleine Louise Calhoon
Thank you to the faculty who has challenged my thinking in many ways. Abraham, Amelia, and Alice,
you’ve been troopers through this and I am lucky to be your mom. Most of all, thank you Jeff
for supporting me every step of the way.You’re the best!
Megan Alyssa Carriveau
Many thanks to my husband Sam for being by my side throughout this process; I couldn’t have done it
without you. Thank you to all of my family and friends, who supported me, fed me, gave me cheer, and
helped me see the light at the end of the tunnel!
Katie Rae Cleveland
“You will make all kinds of mistakes; but as long as you are generous and true and also fierce you cannot
hurt the world or even seriously distress her,” -Winston Churchill. Thanks mom and dad for leading by
example. Thanks Maddy and Celeste, but not Charlie who just found out I was in graduate school. Most
importantly, thanks Jason for putting up with me and not running away. And Rocco for always being happy
to see me when I come home.
Marie Amelia Connor
Thank you to everyone who has supported me and inspired me to believe I could be half the person you
are: my parents, grandparents & sisters; Trisha; Amina, Mohamed, and Asha; Eh Taw; Chong; Parmananda;
my mentors Sue and Eva; Patty; International Village Church, and everyone at the SSW.
Tonya Louise Cook
I am so thankful for the incredible support from my wife Haley. Without her I could not have done it.
A special thanks to my brother James and parents for all their support..
Stephen Anthony DeLong
Thank you to my wonderful husband and his loving patience and encouragement, my parents,
my grandmother, my siblings, and my in-laws who have supported me wholeheartedly. And thank you
to family, friends, classmates, professors, co-workers, and supervisors who have encouraged and inspired
me to do this work!
Gwen Hellen Dezelske
I took a chance on a dream and as I stand here today I can say dreams certainly do come true! I am
forever grateful to my family for their love, support and encouragement. Ross, you are my rock,
this accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you simply isn’t enough!
Alicia Mae Donahue
Thank you to my family and friends for teaching me compassion, perseverance, and how to live
with intention. I am ever grateful for your love and support. Thank you to my classmates and professors
for sharing your wisdom and teaching me I have a lot left to learn!
Stacey Anne Endres
Thanks to my family for all your support, love and paper editing: Dad & Kim for your wisdom,
encouragement and selfless way. My BFFS: MaraElena for protecting me from bullies, Connor
for your honesty. Filippo, mio amore, through the words of C.Dion,”You were my eyes when I couldn’t
see.” Ti amo.
Jenna Gronli Evans
“At this very moment, there are people only you can reach, and differences only you can make”
- Mike Dooley. Thanks to all for a wonderful education experience!
Kara Jo Fahey
While difficult to remember the days; I remember the moments that have pieced together my life.
Thanks to every one who has supported me along the way toward making this moment a reality.
Brian Flick
“Let us touch the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received
and let us not be ashamed or slow to do the humble work” -Mother Teresa. Thanks to all of you who
helped make this journey possible. To my friends who held me up, the LIGHT of my life, Alec who could
put things in perspective and the LOVE of my life John who could just look at me and make things right.
All my love, Pam/Mom
Pamela Jean Fredrickson Sanchez
Thank you for being an inspiring, challenging, and enlightening chapter in my journey of life.
Rachel Elizabeth Giles
All my love and thanks to my family and friends that have supported me along the way. To my dad and
aunt Laura, I couldn’t have gotten here without you. And to my mom, I hope you are forever proud
of me.
Kaela Jean Glass
The past two years have been filled with many ups and downs. I would like to thank all of those friends
and family who helped me through to the end. I couldn’t have done it without you!
Nicki Marie Graf
“How lovely to think that no one need wait a moment, we can start now, start slowly changing
the world! How lovely that everyone, great and small, can make their contribution toward introducing
justice straightaway... And you can always, always give something, even if it is only kindness!” -Anne Frank
Sara Catherine Hamann
Thank you to the students and faculty at the School of Social Work, who have contributed so much
to my learning. To my wonderful parents - you have given me the strength and confidence to challenge
myself and the world around me. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.
Jennifer R Heldt
Congrats, we made it! Thank you all for your friendship and support over the last two years. I enjoyed
learning from each and every one of you. Best of luck in the future, I hope to see you out in the field!
Katherine Maria Helgason
Now the real work begins! “Value the relationship you have with your clients” - Paul Sinclair (Wilder
Foundation)
Dan Nelson Henry
Words seem inadequate to portray my deepest sincerity to my loved ones who have supported me
through this journey, without your encouragement and love I wouldn’t be where I am today. Thank you
all for being with me on this wonderful journey. I love you all!
Mao Her
Never in my life did I think I would earn a Masters Degree. Thanks to my husband, daughters, parents
and their support, WE did it!
Maria Elena Hipkins
Special thanks and love to all of my classmates! “I do not fear tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and
I love today,”-William Allen White. Do the right thing, even if you can’t see the results in the immediate
future.
Faith Fischer Holschbach
To my parents, family and friends: Thank you so much for your support and encouragement. To my
children, Justin and Shane:You are my inspiration! Thank you for the unconditional love and support.
To my professors and the School of Social Work staff: A sincere thank you for the guidance and support
while in graduate school.
Terri Ann Hom
“How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged,
sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong. Because someday in your life you will
have been all of these.” -George Washington Carver
Danielle K. Horan
As the first generation immigrant, this is an extra ordinary time for me. I grew up in poverty and was
raised by my single mother. No one thinks that I will be here where I am today. I thank my dad and mom
who passed away many years ago who gave me the opportunity they haven’t had for themselves. I wish
they could have joined me at this happy moment. I would also like thank to my wife Abbi and my kids.
Please don’t give up! Nelson Mandela, an African hero, said, “It always looks impossible until it is done.”
Merga Hirpa Hunde
Thanks to my family and friends, especially Mom, Dad, Dan, Andy, Sue, and Alec, for your love, patience,
and unwavering support.
Marie Diane Johnson
Thanks to my amazing support team (family, friends & co-workers) who helped me through this journey.
“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” - Lao Tse
Kari Jean Justin
Although today calls for special acknowledgement, every day I feel profound gratitude of the constant
support given by my family and partner, Patrick. To my comrades, never doubt that a small group of people
can change the world. I thank you for sharing your brilliance.
Allison Kelly
I have gained so much from the SSW that it is difficult for me to express in words. It has made me feel
special by recognizing my experience as a refugee which would certainly count anywhere else. SSW family
has given a new meaning and purpose in my life. I would like to take this opportunity to thank my family
for standing by me during this new journey in my life.
Parmananda Khatiwoda
I would like to thank my family and friends for helping me (and tolerating me!) on my journey through
this program. I’d especially like to thank my fiance; I couldn’t have done it without you! Finally, I’d like
to thank, and honor, my gpa, for always believing in me.
Whitney Rose Klein
My gratitude to the staff at the School of Social Work, especially Jan Goodno who reawakened my spirit
during my desperation, Charlotte Pocrnich, church friend and my family who permitted me to use
their time for my studies. I’m grateful to everyone who played an important role in my achievement.
Elijah Seleyea Kollie
I want to thank my family and friends, especially my bride Kiley for the unconditional love, support and
guidance and my daughter Gwen who would bring a smile to my face after the long days. Thank you to all
of the professors and fellow students for sharing your wisdom and experience, it has been a pleasure
to share this journey with you!
Brent Andrew Krocak
A ginormous and heartfelt “Thank You” to my husband for your patience, love, and unending support.
Thanks to my mother who took care of my boys whenever I needed you. Thanks also to my siblings for
helping out with childcare. My journey through graduate school has not been an easy one, but together
we succeeded today. More thanks go out to my father, mentor, and all of my friends, for your time,
encouragement and belief in me, to my professors and classmates at the school.
Soua Lee
Many thanks to my family and friends for cheering me on and believing in me. Special thanks to my
children for your patience and understanding when I couldn’t stay and snuggle a little longer because
I had homework to do, and to Jeff for your love, support, and encouragement. Thank you Tammy
for the push that got me started on this journey.
Cassandra Malloy
Thank you to my partner, Jerrod, who nurtured me and our cat during this last year- I could not have
done this without you; I love you. Thank you to my family, my partner’s family, and my friends
for their love, enduring support, and laughs.You are my foundation.
Theresa Ann Mensinger
Throughout my childhood my Grandmother instilled in me what William Butler Yeats said, “Education is
not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire.” My fire has been lit. Thank you to my husband, my family
and the SSW for helping me to fulfill my goal.
Elizabeth Ann Meyer
I am so thankful for all of the support I received from my family and friends the past two years.
To my parents, who have encouraged me every step of the way, thank you for teaching me the value
of education and the meaning of love - I couldn’t have done it without you!
Michelle N. Mikelson
Thank you everyone!
Marilynn Miller
Thank you to my family and friends, especially to my younger sister Fardowsa and my brother Gandia
for always supporting me.
Ifrah Yusuf Mohamed
I just want to thank my friends and family for their support! Much gratitude and I am happy to be done!
Sarah Lynn Morris
“Revolution begins with the self, in the self” - Toni Cade Bambara. A sincere thanks to my family,
my teachers, my friends, my cat, Matilda, and of course my SWeeps for walking with me on this journey.
Rachel Oberg-Hauser
“A small group of thoughtful people could change the world. Indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
-Margaret Mead. A huge thank you to my friends, family and fabulous cohort who gave me an enormous
amount of support throughout this experience.
Megan O’Brien
Thank you to my family for your unwavering support and encouragement throughout this
challenging year. To my husband, Eric, thank you for your patience, helping me relax, and making me
laugh! Thank you to the SSW faculty for reminding me that social work is more than a profession;
it is who I am
at my core. “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Gandhi
Katie Elizabeth Max Olsen
I want to thank my family, friends, and fellow MINCAVAers for their support, love, understanding
and encouragement throughout the past three-years.You all are truly the best and I could not
have done it without your support!
Megan Jo Pardy
Many thanks to my family and friends, especially my mom and sister, for their continuous support
and love during this process! I couldn’t have done this without you! To my peers, remember:
“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived - that is to have succeeded.”
-R.W.E.
Nicole Lyn Patnaude
“Wherever you go, go with all your heart” -Confucius. Thank you to my Grandmother Marian,
Mom, Dad, family, and my amazing friends that have become a part of my family, for supporting
me and believing in me with all your heart.
Erika Lynne Posthumus
I would like to thank God for making this possible. I would like to thank my family and Reggie
for encouraging me and supporting me when I felt like giving up. “You are what you do” -Doug
Miller. Well, I do social work so I must be a social worker.
Tiffany Ann Ramm
“Like water, be gentle and strong. Be gentle enough to follow the natural paths of the earth,
and strong enough to rise up and reshape the world.” -Brenda Peterson
Katy Ann Ross
Thanks SWeeps for encouraging, inspiring, and tolerating me! As important as my education are
the friendships and bonds I’ve made with you, except three of you, you know who you are ;)
You’ve been my “family of choice” for 2 years, so expect me to mooch in years to come.
Robb Rossi
Graduate school has been an amazing experience that will always carry a special place in my heart.
I want to thank my family who supported me and would not allow me to give up, even when I
insisted I could not go on. I could not have done it without them! And to my children, Ariana and
Gavin, I hope they are inspired by this experience and will grow to laugh at the nights that we all
sat at the table doing our homework together!
Megan L Roy
It is with a full and grateful heart that I look to my family for their vital involvement in my path;
a mother stronger than she knows, a truly loving father and a grandmother who never let a child lose
hope. To my professors, supervisors and my cohort: “You have assured me that I’m
in the presence of so much potential to do good. But the universe knew it all along.” -Crescit Eundo
Joseph Steven Schmidt
“When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” Viktor E.
Frankl
Deb Lynn Schmidt
“Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.” -Grandma Moses
Allison Rose Schmill
Thank you to my family, friends and faculty for helping me get through a tough and challenging year.
I will take that guidance with me to summer school!
Ashley Marlena Sneider
Without the strong support from my parents I would never have had the opportunity to work
towards my MSW degree. Without the strong relationship I have with my daughter I would never have
experienced those moments of pure bliss that helped get me through the stressful days. Without the
love from my family, I would not be here today celebrating the completion of my master’s degree.
Thank you all for turning my couldn’t into I did.
Christina Renae Staebell
Sincere gratitude to my parents and my best friend who patiently walked on this journey with me.
Thank you to Miriam,Victoria, Anne, and to all the instructors whose influence has forever changed
my understanding of what it means to be a social worker.
Emily L Stevens
Thank you for giving me the best learning opportunity.
Frida Tamrakar
“La vida no es la que uno vivia, sino la que uno recuerda, y camo la recuerda para contarla” -Gabriel
Garcia Marquez. Thank you to my family and friends for all of your love and support and for all
of the stories to be told.
Marina Uehara
To my family—thank you for all your love and support. To my lovely wife--thank you for making me
a better person, I could not have done this without you.
Shawn Gregory Ullrich
A sincere THANK YOU to my partner, family and friends for their support, love and encouragement
throughout this journey. Words cannot express how thankful I am to have you all. To my MSW cohorts
and professors: “Things do not change; we change.” -Henry David Thoreau
Mai Tong Vang
Thank you - Carlos, Mom and Dad, my friends, classmates and professors - for all of the inspiration,
wisdom and support over these past four years.
Anna Marie Vangsness
“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength,
the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world” -Harriet Tubman. Thanks
to my family for supporting me, and also to my awesome husband for proof reading each and every
paper.
Kelly Ann Whipple
Thanks and gratitude to my family, friends, and especially Chris for your unwavering support
during this process.
Tonya Wilhelm
Kris, words cannot describe how your love and support has helped me succeed. I love and miss
you. Alisa, you have been instrumental in the woman I am today, thank you. Dad and Mom, thanks
for always believing in me. My family and friends, thanks for the love and support!
Kristina Renee Wolfe
Thank you to my peers, to the school, my field placements for teaching me and making me laugh.
Most of all I would like to thank my partner, Drake. He held me up through every momment of
this process and without him, I would never had made it this far. I love you. Thank you
to my mother for traveling this great distance and to my grandparents for supporting me.
LeeAnn Woodrum-Oakley
I would like to thank my families and friends for their encouragement and support through these
past two years. I am especially grateful and thankful to my husband for believing in me and
being there with me every step of the way. I love you all.
See Xiong
Thank you very much for my beautiful lovely wife (Pa Yang) who endured through the darkness
and supported my ambition in education. Thank for my three lovely boys: Peter, 18, Adam, 17,
and Anthony Xiong, 10, who are doing very well in school and good listeners at home for us.
Ker Xiong
Thank you family and friends for your encouragement, love, and support. I would also like to thank
all of my instructors, classmates, and supervisors who has taught me so much and has shaped
the person I have become today. Last but not least, thank you to my husband, Michael, who has
been my rock and support from the very beginning of my journey.
Monda Yang
What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. I did it! YAY! To my friends, family, colleagues, and
my life-Kai: Thank you is not enough ;) Without your support, it would have been ten times harder.
Best Wishes.
My A Cindi Yang
congratulations, to all the graduates!
Alumni Association Complimentary Membership
The University of Minnesota Alumni Association and the College of Education and
Human Development Alumni Society are proud to welcome you as our newest
alumni of the University of Minnesota.
To help you make the transition from students to alumni, you will receive a gift of
a one-year membership. This complimentary membership is filled with rewards and
opportunities and can be the first step toward a lifelong connection to the College
and the University.
Obtaining your free membership is easy! Your membership will automatically be
activated in early fall when UMAA receives your degree completion record from
the College.
School of Social Work
Leadership for a just and caring society
Acknowledgements
Sincere thanks to the Friedman family for their recognition of graduate
student scholarship through the Gertrude Friedman Prize.
Special thanks to the staff, students and volunteers who helped
make this event possible: Karen Borchardt, Jan Goodno, Jackie Colby,
Cara Cusano, Ros Elstrom, Libby Johnson, Amy Khath, Cindy Pavlowski
and Emily Wesely.
Much appreciation to Joel Grostephan, Bob Radspinner and Josh Braun
for sharing their musical talents.
Leadership for a Just and caring society
Coming Up in the School of Social Work
May-December
Clinical Practice Series and Supervision Series
Professional development workshops, Peters Hall.
See z.umn.edu/swce for more information.
June 12
12th Annual SSW Ice Cream Social, 3:30-5 p.m., Peters Hall.
Please join us at our annual celebration for alumni and friends of the
school.
June 12
Beyond the Baby Blues VII, 8 a.m.-4:15 p.m., Continuing Education
Center, University of Minnesota St. Paul campus. The School of Social Work
is a supporter of this conference. Details at http://www.namihelps.org/
August 27 & 28
CEUs on a Stick. Professional development workshops, Peters Hall.
See z.umn.edu/swce for more information.
For more information on any of these events, call 612-625-1220 or
visit our Web site www.cehd.umn.edu/ssw/
School of Social Work
1404 Gortner Avenue
St. Paul Minnesota 55108
612-625-1220
The University of Minnesota shall provide equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and
employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability,
public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression.