The University of Kentucky College of Social Work is fiercely committed to developing outstanding professionals– leaders who serve individuals, families, and communities through innovative and effective practices that are guided by cultural competency, systematic ethical analysis, and a keen and pragmatic understanding of the human condition.
The College of Social Work Alumni Association (SWAA) Awards provide a mechanism for formal recognition of the accomplishments of such outstanding professionals, as well as those who contribute to their development, and are the highest honors bestowed by the College of Social Work for alumni and other supporters of the college.
Award Descriptions
The Outstanding Experiential Learning Instructor Award recognizes alumni and others who have provided volunteer service to the College of Social Work by providing outstanding leadership and supervision to students, showing a commitment to preparing future students for success.
Recipients should have:
- Provided outstanding leadership and supervision to students during experiential learning.
- Showed a commitment to preparing future professionals.
- Served as an Experiential Learning Instructor in the current or most recent academic year.
The Outstanding Experiential Learning Site Award recognizes an organization who has provided volunteer service to the College of Social Work by providing outstanding leadership and supervision to students, showing a commitment to preparing the future workforce.
Recipients should have:
- Provided outstanding leadership and supervision to students during experiential learning. Recognizes an organization who has provided volunteer service to the College of Social Work. Recipients will have served as an Experiential Learning Site in the current or most recent academic year.
- Showed a commitment to preparing future professionals.
The SWAA Mentor of the Year Award recognizes alumni who have provided volunteer service to the College of Social Work by serving as an exemplary mentor, providing support for a current student in working toward their future professional goals.
Recipients should have:
- Earned a degree from the College of Social Work (CJ or SW)
- Participated in the current or most recent iteration of SWAA Alumni-Student Mentoring Program.
The “You Were Built for This” Award recognizes alumni who have elevated their profession through high impact innovation and creativity.
Recipients should have:
- Earned a degree from the College of Social Work (CJ or SW)
- “Changed the game” in an aspect of their profession in order to meet a previously unmet need within their organization, their field of practice, or in the community.
The Rising Star Award recognizes recent alumni who are already making exceptional contributions and who personify the principles and values of their profession.
Recipients should have:
- Earned a degree from the College of Social Work (CJ or SW) within the last 10 years.
- Personifies the principles and values of their profession.
The Alumni Excellence Award recognizes alumni who have made exceptional contributions through a distinguished career in their field of their practice and who personify the principles and values of their profession. Recipients of the Alumni Excellence Award will be inducted into College of Social Work Hall of Fame. Since the inception of the Hall of Fame, inductees’ experiences have spanned the wide spectrum of their practice. Direct service, clinical practice, program and policy development, agency administration, teaching and research have all been represented.
Recipients should have:
- Earned a degree from the College of Social Work (CJ or SW) 20 or more years ago.
- Have made exceptional contributions through a distinguished career in their field of their practice.
- Personify the principles and values of their profession.
Overall Eligibility Criteria
- Recipients may not receive the same award multiple times.
- Recipients must meet the eligibility criteria of their specific award.
- Recipients must participate in the recognition event in person unless exceptional circumstances prevent such participation. If a recipient does not reside in Lexington, Kentucky, the College of Social Work will help cover the recipient’s cost of travel.
Terms and Conditions
- SWAA reserves the right to name recipients for all or only a selection of the awards each year.
- Only information submitted as part of a nomination will be considered; additional independent research regarding nominees will not occur.
- The following nominations will not be considered: incomplete nominations, self-nominations, or nominations from a family member.
Nomination Process
The nomination period will open March 23rd, 2026 and close April 24th, 2026. Award recipients will be notified by the end of June 2026.
Please submit nominations via the online form below:
The nomination period is currently not open.
The following materials are required for a nomination to be considered:
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Nominator and nominee identifying and contact information.
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Nominee’s current vita or resume (not required for the Outstanding Experiential Learning Site Award).
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A detailed justification for the nomination, explaining why the nominee is a deserving recipient.
If you have any additional questions regarding the SWAA Awards or require additional accommodation to complete the nomination process, please contact Summer Bryant, Alumni Engagement Manager
Recognition Event
Award recipients will be recognized at an annual recognition event, to occur annually in October in Lexington, Kentucky.
As stated in the eligibility criteria, recipients must participate in the recognition event in person unless exceptional circumstances prevent such participation. If a recipient does not reside in Lexington, Kentucky, the College of Social Work will help cover the recipient’s cost of travel.
Prior Hall of Fame Recipients
- 2025 – Katie Wolf Whaley
- 2024 – Mahjabeen Rafiuddin
- 2023 – Vanessa Hunn
- 2019 – Rep. Susan Westrom
- 2016 – Jim Clark, Margaret Hazlette
- 2017 – Kay Hoffman
- 2015 – Dorothy Offutt, Eileen Recktenwald
- 2014 – Carl Smith, Teresa James, Liz Croney
- 2013 – Beth Mills, Crystal Collins-Camargo
- 2012 – Audrey Tayse Haynes
- 2011 – Sherri Weisenfluh
- 2010 – Patrick Yewell
- 2009 – Patricia Wilson
- 2008 – Teri Faragher, Kenn Hicks
- 2007 – Gretchen Brown
- 2006 – Betsy Nowland-Curry
- 2005 – Robert Walker
- 2004 – Virginia Bell
- 2003 – William Beaven, Willis Bright
- 2002 – Linda Harvey
- 2001 – Irma Rosenstein
- 1999 – Jean Ritchie, Elizabeth DuMez, Doris Wilkinson
Prior SWAA Award Recipients
- Outstanding Experiential Learning Instructor Award – Eddie Mann
- “You Were Built for This” Award – Dr. Joelisse Galarza (DSW ’25)
- Rising Star Award – Olivia Raley (MSW ’25)
- Alumni Excellence Award – Katie Wolf Whaley (MSW ’03)
CoSW
spotlights
Our alumni are dedicated to improving the human condition through steadfast service. Their stories serve to inspire current and new generations of social workers.
Events
Calendar of Events
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2 events,
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This training helps foster and adoptive families understand and navigate intense emotional reactions from children. Participants will explore the causes of big emotions, effective strategies for regulation, and ways to
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers |
1 event,
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify |
5 events,
RESCHEDULED: The Lexington Continuum of Care is now accepting volunteers for the 2026 LexCount! This year's LexCount will take place on the evening of Wednesday February 25th 2026, from 10
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person 
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings. The UK College of
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The presentation focuses on the challenges and solutions related to providing mental healthcare in rural areas. Additionally, the presentation will offer a comprehensive examination of the complexities of rural mental
$20
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Services & Support for Foster & Adoptive Families will inform parents about resources available to individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Michelle P. Waiver Program, which allows eligible individuals to |
2 events,
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Helping Your Child Make Healthy & Positive Choices: Talking to Teens & Preteens will teach foster and adoptive parents the importance of open and ongoing dialogue with their preteen or |
2 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the
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Participants will delve into the recognition of positive adoption language and its vital importance in nurturing a nurturing and affirming environment for children. By understanding the impact of language on |
1 event,
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work |
1 event,
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Fostering & Adopting At-Risk Children explores categories of at-risk behaviors among children and adolescents that may lead to negative consequences, like poor health, injury or death. It assists foster/adoptive parents |
2 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the
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ARC Meetings & IEPs: The Basics will help foster and adoptive parents understand the process of an ARC Meeting and gain a better perspective of what an IEP will look |
0 events,
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4 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for 
Criminal Justice students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
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A Guide to Coping with Allegations explores the prevalence of false allegations of abuse and neglect amongst foster homes and reasons such allegations may arise. Strategies for preventing false allegations |
2 events,
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Connecting with Your Child While Correcting Behavior introduces parents to strategies to use to help them feel connected to children while correcting difficult behaviors. Parents will learn how to connect
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Sibling Attachment & Adoption provides parents with tools to promote healthy sibling relationships in foster and adoptive families. Parents will explore different ways in which families are formed and learn |
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1 event,
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Keeping Families Strong provides foster parents insight on how to keep partnerships, families and friendships strong while providing care to out of home children. It will also provide strategies for |
1 event,
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A Child’s Education: Rights & Responsibilities will inform parents of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The training informs foster and adoptive parents of the processes used to determine |
6 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the
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A focused overview of practical communication tactics to defuse tense encounters before they escalate. Grounded in the Surviving Verbal Conflict® framework and UKPD field experience, the session emphasizes tactical empathy,
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Impact of Trauma on Development (Trust Based Relational Intervention Caregiver Training March 10, 2026 5:30 PM-7:30 PM EST Via Zoom R. Alex Colston, LMFT 2 credit hours This training is 
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on
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Services & Support for Foster & Adoptive Families will inform parents about resources available to individuals with intellectual disabilities through the Michelle P. Waiver Program, which allows eligible individuals to |
4 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work 
Social Work students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for |
1 event,
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Healthy Boundaries in Teenage Relationships explores healthy and unhealthy dating behaviors. It is designed to assist caregivers in identifying warning signs that a teen may be involved in an abusive |
2 events,
This is a hybrid-style training event with virtual sessions on Friday 3/13/26 (9:00am – 10:30am & 11:00am – 12:30pm) & Saturday 3/14/26 (9:00am – 10:30am & 11:00am – 12:30pm), and
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This comprehensive training provides a foundational exploration of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), offering participants valuable insights into the characteristics, challenges, and strengths associated with autism. Aiming to enhance awareness, promote |
2 events,
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Building Positive Relationships with Case Workers & Community Partners provides foster parents the information and tools needed to establish a positive working relationship with their caseworker and child’s caseworker, with |
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3 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for |
0 events,
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1 event,
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This session highlights a forward-looking, measurement-based strategy to support therapists in their clinical practice and improve service quality. Participants will learn practical tools for integrating outcome data into therapeutic decision-making,
$30
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1 event,
Hybrid Event
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Hybrid Event
Interested in Crime Scene Investigations? The Lexington Police Department will be on campus to discuss careers in investigative and forensic law enforcement. Officers and specialists will share insights into the |
5 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings. The UK College of 
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program that prepares
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work |
4 events,
Are You Wildly Passionate About Social Work? Explore the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program during an online info session. REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our 
Pursue your Passion for the Greater Good Explore College of Social Work’s newest Criminal Justice program during our online info session! REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our 
Please join us as we discuss the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register below and select the appropriate
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The talk offers a comprehensive overview of the parole hearing process. It highlights the impact of rehabilitation, reentry, and victim input as it relates to the suitability of release for |
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3 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for
Criminal Justice students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program |
1 event,
The College of Social Work invites you to a powerful and immersive event exploring the lived experiences of individuals navigating reentry after incarceration. The program will begin with a photo |
1 event,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the |
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0 events,
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