LEXINGTON, Ky. – Sarah Bennett Holmes was a distinguished dean of women at the University of Kentucky, who tirelessly championed the rights of women throughout her career. On Wednesday, March 26, College of Social Work (CoSW) graduate and current Master of Social Work (MSW) student Olivia Raley will be honored at an awards luncheon in Holmes’ honor, celebrating Raley’s contributions to the university and the Commonwealth.
Raley will receive the 30 Under 30 award, honoring current undergraduates or recent alumni for their hard work and dedication to their community. As a social worker at the Bardstown Police Department, Raley demonstrates that commitment to the Commonwealth each and every day.
“To be recognized at the Sarah Bennett Holmes Awards is a huge honor and a reminder of why I do what I do. If you get in the field of social work, it’s not for money, not for the awards, it’s for the people,” Raley said. “Earning this award is a time to highlight the importance of supporting vulnerable and underserved populations.”
The awards luncheon is part of a larger, ongoing mission to support and elevate the roles of women within the university community and beyond. Colleges and units across UK’s campus are encouraged to nominate women in their departments for a variety of awards.
As the first social worker on the Bardstown police force, Raley is utilizing her extensive education to help the force ensure that people in crisis receive immediate support and connection to essential resources.
Aiding in Raley’s mission is Maverick, her therapy Husky, who has become an integral part of the department’s support system. Maverick’s calming presence and ability to sense stress and trauma exemplify the healing power of animal-assisted therapy.
“The community has been overwhelmingly welcoming since my time with the department, and of course everyone wants to pet Maverick,” Raley said. “I never feel like it’s work. All of us at the department are all on the same team with the same goal, and we all respect each other’s role which has been instrumental.”
Hailing from Jeffersontown, Kentucky, Raley is able to give back to the state that she grew up in, creating a safer, more positive community for future generations. She will graduate with her Master of Social Work this May, earning both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Kentucky.
“I’ve found my why early on in life and I’m thankful for that,” Raley said. “Working in this field, you may not be able to save everyone but if you save one person, their story matters. Being able to give back to my home state of Kentucky is something that is so special and I am very grateful.”
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