Month: May 2022

Faculty News: Associate Professor Ann Marie Garran

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From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

I am writing to share some wonderful news with you. Associate Professor Ann Marie Garran has been chosen to receive the prestigious Faculty Excellence in Graduate Teaching award. This award is given by the UConn Foundation Alumni Relations Office in recognition of excellence in instruction and for significant contributions to the intellectual life of the University through teaching. The School of Social Work has not had an awardee since 2000, so this is an important celebration for all of us.

Ann Marie is consistently evaluated highly by her students, and as importantly, she is frequently sought out as a mentor. Her scholarship focuses heavily on pedagogy and the intersection with anti-racist practices, and she has provided numerous workshops for faculty here at the School and as a consultant across the country.

Most recently, Ann Marie published the third edition of her book Racism in the United States: Implications for the Helping Professions. She has served on the School’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Anti-racism committee. Her research interests include power, privilege, and oppression as it pertains to social work education, including field instruction and advising.

Please join me in celebrating her achievements. Ann Marie will receive a monetary award and be recognized along with other award recipients in a ceremony this fall and we will share those details when they are available.

Congratulations for well-earned recognition of your considerable talents in the classroom and beyond, Ann Marie.

 

In solidarity,

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work

 

Honoring Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month

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From the Office of Dean Heller

Dear Colleagues,

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. First established as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week in 1978, the observance was expanded to a month by Congress in 1992. At the School of Social Work, we take this opportunity to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) students, staff, faculty, and members of our community.

The past few years have been especially challenging for AAPI communities who have faced harassment and attacks across our nation. As a School that values diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism, we oppose this bigotry and stand in solidarity with AAPI communities. We know they make UConn and the School of Social Work stronger.

Our support of Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month aligns with the mission of our profession and the National Association of Social Workers Code of Ethics. These ethical standards include social justice, dignity and worth of the person, and the importance of human relationships.

All month long, let’s make a commitment to honoring the rich heritage and cultural experiences of AAPI communities. Throughout U.S. history, AAPIs have contributed to and shaped American culture, science, medicine, literature, art, government, politics and so much more. Today, AAPIs are the fastest growing racial group in the country. Read the history and take part in events in your local area.

In solidarity,

Nina

Nina Rovinelli Heller, PhD
Dean and Professor
Zachs Chair in Social Work