Springfield College School of Social Work Welcomes Students at 2014 Weekend Program Convocation

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The Springfield College School of Social Work (SSW) welcomed students at its 2014 Weekend Program Convocation in the Fuller Arts Center on Saturday, Sept. 6.  The event greeted students back to campus from both the weekend programs in Springfield and Worcester as the 2014-15 academic year has officially started.

Following breakfast, Springfield College School of Social Work Dean Francine J. Vecchiolla introduced new faculty members. Springfield College Vice President for Academic Affairs Jean Wyld welcomed the students to the convocation.  Following Wyld's greeting, Springfield College School of Social Work Professor Anthony Hill introduced the keynote speaker, Donna Hicks.  Hicks is an Associate at the Weatherhead Center for International Affairs at Harvard University and author of the bestselling book, Dignity: The Essential Role It Plays in Resolving Conflict.

Hicks is a dynamic and thought-provoking speaker who brings her unmatched insights on dignity and conflict resolution to each of her award-winning presentations. Her powerful ideas on human interaction enable organizations to build a culture of dignity, heal highly-charged emotional wounds, and thrive in today’s global marketplace.  She has 20 years of experience as a facilitator during international conflicts in the Middle East, Sri Lanka, Columbia, Cuba and Northern Ireland, and the United States. Her unique focus on dignity, and the essential role it plays in resolving conflict, has transformed work environments for the world’s most prominent companies, non-profits, and governmental agencies. Past clients include the World Bank, United Nations, US Navy, and the Senate of Columbia.

Following Hicks presentation, SSW professors Ann W. Roy and Walter J. Mullin introduced Student Organization Officers and student authors selected for publication in the School journal, the Journal of Advanced Generalist Practice.

Earlier in the week, the Springfield College School of Social Work welcomed students at its weekday program convocation on Sept. 2 at the Brennan Center.  The Springfield College School of Social Work, has been continuously accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) since 1989, and most recently in 2013, SSW was  granted full national reaccreditation from the CSWE for the next eight years with no conditions.