Recent Stories
As far back as she can remember, Karleigh Conway has always loved hearing people’s stories. Whether they were about dreams, passions, hurts or recovery, she drank them all in. She hadn’t realized it yet, but her compassion and curiosity were already preparing her for a life in social work.
When it comes to education and choosing a career path, the road looks different for everyone. Some people already know what they want to do and set out to achieve it, while others are not so sure. Both journeys are unique and valid ways to approach deciding how to live your life. For our 2023 MSW Outstanding Student Gabby White, it was the latter.
As a student who prides herself in promoting diversity and inclusion, it is no surprise that Josie Pooler’s life has been incredibly diverse and unique as well. Growing up in Waco all her life, Josie said she truly considers it her home.
Learn more about the 2023 BSW Intern of the Year: Lauren Daniels! "My calling is to serve and support the people around me. Because of the strong emphasis to look at more than what seems to be at the surface, I know social work is the avenue for me to support, advocate for, and serve others."
"A lot of my professional interest lies in the intersection of social justice and faith communities. I have seen the influence that religious organizations have on mental health, neighborhoods poverty, abuse, politics, and so many other things. But, I see how social work brings a unique systems-oriented, justice-driven perspective to these issues."
Learn more about our MSW Intern of the Year, Community Practice: Kyla Wilson!
Learn more about our MSW Intern of the Year in Clinical Practice: Mercy Babo! Mercy has a passion for helping children, adolescents, and young adults overcome addictions by supporting them through their recovery process, in an effort to help them on their path to thriving.
Learn more about our 2023 Field Instructor of the Year: Heather Eller-Gilman! Heather is a Readjustment Counselor at the Lincoln Vet Center in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has worked with Veterans for more than a decade, in positions that advocate, engage in case management, and provide evidence-based therapies.
From the Dean
Welcome to Community Connection online!
JON E. SINGLETARY | DEAN, GARLAND SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK
I am excited to welcome you to Community Connection online magazine. This digital publication highlights everything that makes this vibrant, creative community so special: our students, our alumni, our faculty and staff, our research, our partners and the communities we serve.
Here you will find stories showcasing the work, events, activities and accomplishments of the Diana R. Garland School of Social Work. These stories are a snapshot of who we are, the heartbeat of our beloved school. They celebrate the accomplishments of our staff, the diligence of our faculty, the contributions of our students, and the generosity of our donors. If you find our stories valuable, inspiring or informative, please share them!
I am grateful for all the time, energy and resources you pour into our school. The work we do here and in partnership with people and organizations from all over the world is about making a real difference, a true impact. This is the heart of our mission, and I pray you will continue to partner with us on this journey. You enrich our lives in so many ways, and we love to share our stories with you!
We look forward to staying connected with you, and as always, we encourage to stop by and say hello if you are ever in town.