Lexington, KY – The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) proudly announces the 50th anniversary of its Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program’s accreditation. A series of commemorative events, beginning this fall and continuing through spring 2025, will celebrate the program’s remarkable history, achievements, and the contributions of its alumni, students, faculty, and staff. This milestone marks half a century of excellence in preparing social work professionals committed to transforming lives and communities.
A Legacy of Leadership in Social Work Education
Since its initial accreditation in 1974, the BASW program at CoSW has cultivated a strong tradition of social work education, equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex social issues. Over the past five decades, the program has continually evolved to meet the changing needs of the profession while maintaining its dedication to social change, social justice, and impactful practice. The College’s efforts have contributed to the development of compassionate and skilled social workers who serve in diverse roles across Kentucky, the nation, and the world.
To honor this legacy and look ahead to the future, CoSW invites alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the COSW community to join in the celebrations and participate in a variety of engaging events.
Event Highlights
Pop-up Shop: A special addition t-shirt is available in the Homecoming Pop-up Shop through October 21, 2024. The COSW Pop-Up Shop can be accessed by clicking here.
November 15, 2024: Celebration and Hybrid Networking Opportunity
2:00 PM – 6:00 PM
The celebration will begin with an open house from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, providing an opportunity to reflect on the program’s history and achievements. The event will continue with a networking session from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, bringing together alumni, students, faculty, and staff for meaningful connections and conversations. Registration for this event is available here.
January 17, 2025: Continuing Education Luncheon (Virtual),
12:00pm-2:00pm
This virtual luncheon will offer an opportunity for alumni, faculty, and staff to earn continuing education credits while engaging in discussions led by experts in the field of social work. The session will be led by one of our Field Supervisors, Sara Baldwin, and current MSW student, Leah Wilson. Registration details will be announced soon.
March 2025: Commemorative Picture Booklet Campaign
A special campaign will encourage alumni, faculty, staff, and students to contribute to a digital picture booklet that commemorates the 50th anniversary. Submissions of photos and memories for the booklet will be accepted from October 13, 2024, to December 20, 2024. The final product will be shared in March 2025, with physical copies available for reservation. To submit a photo and/or request a physical copy of the photo booklet, please complete the following form: https://ukcosw.com/digital-booklet-2024.
Throughout the celebration, CoSW will also share content highlighting the program’s history on social media, using the hashtag #UKCOSWBASW50. These stories and memories will honor the program’s legacy and inspire the next generation of social workers.
Reflecting on 50 Years: Looking Back, Moving Forward
The college’s rich history and impact is documented in an article on the College of Social Work’s website, “Looking Back, Moving Forward: Legacy and Expansion at the College of Social Work.” For more information, visit Looking Back, Moving Forward.
Join the Celebration
The UK College of Social Work encourages all members of the community to participate in the 50th-anniversary celebration. Whether attending events, sharing memories, or contributing to the commemorative picture booklet, there are numerous ways to engage and honor the legacy of the BASW program.
For event details, updates, and registration links, follow UK CoSW on social media and use #UKCOSWBASW50 to stay connected.
