Check out this year’s roundup of some of the best posts and photos from 2024 spring commencement.
Topic: Alumni
Advocacy starts with here: Bicultural BSW student fights for diversity, equity, and inclusion
Carolina Lebron Santiago is a Puerto Rican American student who uses her biculturalism to advocate, empower, and challenge injustices that suppress Limited English Speakers (LES) within the health care system.
Leading with empathy: Graduating social workers pave the way for shifting the narrative
Learn about School of Social Work graduates Stephanie Gulik, Matthew Mann, and Shannon Rali and the path they took to where they are today.
From personal experiences to a career path: MSW graduates share the steps that brought them here
Getting a masters can be challenging, but knowing one’s inspiration behind the pursuit of higher education may be the perfect driving force to earning the degree. For Cassie Torrisi and Alexandra Dillman, there were unique moments in their lives that brought them to where they are today.
From BSW to MSW to dream job: The parallel journey of two outstanding students graduating with their masters
Hailey Rutledge and Teddi Hacaga both earned their bachelor of social work degree (BSW) from Illinois State University in May 2022, carried on to the accelerated track for their master of social work (MSW), and graduated this May with a career placement as school social workers.
Isabelle Rogers, BSW graduate: ‘I am walking that stage, May of 2024 no matter what’
Isabelle Rogers, a BSW student graduating May 2024, shared with us her unique journey of overcoming unexpected challenges and the support systems that allowed that to happen.
An unexpected shift from struggle to success: Journey of BSW grad Megan Martell
As Megan Martell graduates from the School of Social Work at Illinois State this May, her story serves as a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of self-discovery. Born and raised in Illinois, Martell’s upbringing was shaped by the challenges of single parenthood. Her parents divorced when she was 2 years old, leaving her mother to navigate the complexities of raising a child while pursuing her career aspirations, which was nothing short of difficult for the family.
From graduation to employment: BSW graduate’s journey toward the helping profession
Amid graduate narratives of triumph and perseverance, one individual’s journey shines brightly amid the challenges faced along the way. Meet Kelsey Barrett, a Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) graduate whose path to success embodies resilience, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in the lives of others.
Navigating social justice and personal growth: Journey of a BSW graduate
As the spring of 2024 marks the culmination of academic endeavors for many students, Jo Bollant shares with us their journey as a BSW student, and now graduate. Bollant’s path to graduation was far from conventional, marked by detours and challenges that ultimately shaped their worldview.
Exemplary MSW graduates share their journey towards higher education
Abbi Stradder, Bailey Birditt, and Diamond Crowder share with us their journey towards higher education and all that it took for them to earn their Masters in Social Work.
