Jessica Banning, Bachelor of Social Work

I enrolled at the UConn School of Social Work at the age of 41. The cohort model of learning pushed me to engage with my peers and become comfortable asking questions. I work a full-time job doing case management for a local non-profit organization and wrapped up an internship with the East Hartford Police Department's Crisis Intervention Division. The instructors in the BSW program are patient, understanding and compassionate. There was never a period in my experience as a student that I felt alone. I am able to align myself with people who share similar values, who respect difference, and share ideas openly. I would like to say thank you for encouraging me to keep going forward!

Angela Rossi, Policy Practice concentration

When I was accepted into the MSW program for the Spring 2022 semester, I cried. UConn made me realize I belong in all spaces and my voice matters. There are two classes that I have taken in my time at UConn that really changed my perspectives of the world: The first was NURS 2175: Global Politics of Childbearing and Reproduction as an undergrad with Dr. Thomas Long. The second was during my MSW program: BASC 5300 with Dr. Gio Iacono. Without these classes, I feel I would not have found my path in political advocacy and becoming a Political Social Worker. This award let me work one less day a week which allowed me to go to my internship at the Connecticut General Assembly with Rep. Jillian Gilchrest, and to network with legislators and lobbyists and community advocates.

Julia Demichele, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I am most appreciative of my experience in Puerto Rico with the Social Work in Puerto Rico course last summer. I learned so much about how social work is done differently in Puerto Rico and the many implications this has for us as social workers in the states. My entire understanding of myself as a future micro practitioner was flipped upside down and I saw how imperative it is for macro social work to inform everything I do. I want to share my gratitude for the generosity of the scholarship donor. With the financial support, I have been able to pick up less overtime shifts at work and attend more university events, immerse myself in readings, and connect with peers and colleagues.

Luis Gonzalez, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I'm proud to be a UConn Husky because I know whatever route I choose, I have support from my professors, advisors and peers whenever I need guidance. I am most appreciative of the internships that UConn provides. I would tell the scholarship donor that I am very grateful for the opportunity for my voice to be heard. As a first-generation Latino student, I am honored to be chosen and because of you, I am able to lessen my financial burdens and finish off my graduate program stronger. I thank you for seeing my resilience as a grad student, and I would love to pay it forward in the future so I can make the same impact.

Laura Gordon, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I have truly been overwhelmed by the amount of support in both undergraduate and graduate studies for nontraditional students like myself who are also parents. Words cannot describe how thankful I am to receive such a generous scholarship. As a mother and a student, I am constantly working on financial balance. This scholarship award has allowed me to take a breath and focus on my work, to ensure that I have the tools for success like books, supplies, access to a parking pass and childcare when needed; to be able to go above and beyond and expand my knowledge in my area of study through additional books and seminars. This is truly an amazing gift and I have ensured that it will support my growth in social work.

Monique Asselin, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Sarah Babbs, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am proud of the School's focus on combining the macro and micro lens to educate integrated social workers. I am appreciative of the academic opportunities I have had as a student, in particular courses focused on systemic injustice and social change, health inequities and disability justice, and for the internship opportunity. Working on an adult inpatient psychiatric unit has given me ample opportunities to learn about clinical systems, trauma-focused care, and how systems of oppression affect individuals on a daily basis. Thank you for your generosity in recognizing the value in our work as MSW students, and choosing to offer those of us who must work while in school the opportunity to have some breathing room financially.

Andrea Calderon, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Ruthliann Carmona, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

UConn has connected me to an internship that provided me with important hands-on practice and has revitalized my passion for social work. Thank you so much for your generous donation. Receiving my MSW has been my goal for the past four years since I decided I wanted to pursue a career in school social work. Throughout my educational career, I have had to work a part-time job to provide for my basic needs. Being awarded this scholarship allows me a certain level of flexibility in which I can focus more on school without having to make sacrifices in other parts of my life. I am thankful to the donor and to UConn for being chosen for this scholarship and the opportunities it brings.

Krista Ferrelli, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Being a single mom and a student has had many challenges during my college career, so I am very grateful for this scholarship! Only being able to work two days a week because of my unpaid internship three days a week has made things tough, so I am happy beyond belief to receive this. One of the things I am most appreciative for at UConn has been my internship experience at the Root Center for Advanced Recovery because I want to work with people who have substance use disorder and I am learning a lot here. Thank you for your kindness and for helping me and the other students at UConn. It means a lot to me because help to reduce my student loan is wonderful!

Tanajah Harris, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I love the close community that I have experienced at UConn School of Social Work. I am most appreciative of the internship opportunities that have been offered to me. By being able to get the experience of working closely in mental health and substance use communities, my eagerness to get out there and begin contributing to this population has only grown. I would like to tell my scholarship donor that I am beyond grateful to have been a recipient of this award! You have no idea how much this means to me and how much this award will impact my life and current financial struggles. You have blessed me with the opportunity to lift a great deal of weight off of my shoulders.

Roshae Harrison, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

The people at the UConn School of Social Work are open, loving and accepting. I am most appreciative for my internship with The Bridge Family Center. It has only confirmed that my educational journey has been well spent. If I had a chance to thank a scholarship donor in person, I would thank them for their contribution and kindness. Their donation allows people like me to have a better opportunity to finish college with a less worry about debt. I come from an immigrant family, who only had a dollar in their pocket and a dream. Scholarships and loans have allowed me to attend college and go after my own dreams that may one day help repay my parents for all the sacrifices they have made.

Karina Hummel, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am most appreciative for my internship with CCGC North Star IOP through UConn. I would not have gotten the extensive experience in a clinical placement and seeing the impact through the kids without it. I have gotten the opportunity to learn and work on my practicing skills by providing daily group therapy, individual therapy and family therapy. I have loved working with the family system and connecting with school social workers in order to best provide for the child. I am beyond grateful for receiving this scholarship. As a master's student balancing education, an internship and work throughout, is a major relief. It's hard to put into words the feeling of pure joy and relief when I received this scholarship.

Lorena Martinez, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Gage Murphy, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

What excites me most about UConn is the opportunity to connect and network with other students in real time in order to grow as an aspiring social worker. I am most appreciative of the incredible internship opportunity I have had this year. I have had the opportunity to work directly under a licensed social worker and carry my own caseload, lead a variety of groups with another intern, and get involved in a number of projects aimed at providing better care to clients at the practice. Receiving this award serves as a beacon of hope and encouragement, reminding me that my contributions and dedication to the field of social work are valued and recognized. It motivates me to advocate for those who are marginalized and strive to create positive change in our communities.

Juliana Servetnick, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

The UConn School of Social Work has been so welcoming and supportive. My professors have made me think critically and fueled my passion for social work. While interning has been difficult to balance, it has been an inexhaustible source of knowledge and experience. I am so thankful to my internship placements (Connecticut Children's Medical Center and Pinnacle Behavioral Health) and incredible supervisors for guiding my growth. I want to thank the Frank V. Carollo Scholarship Fund for their generous donation to my education. The funds are a massive help for me as I navigate my graduate education with an internship while working full-time.

Arianna Skelcher, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

I am truly grateful for the enriching academic journey I've had at UConn. The professors here genuinely care about their students' success and wholeheartedly support them throughout the entire semester. My internship has given me the gift of experience, but also connection. Having the opportunity to form meaningful connections with the children I work with and positively impact their lives is truly incredible. As a first-generation college student, receiving this scholarship is truly heartwarming. My journey has been marked with unwavering determination, building a life from humble beginnings. Balancing two jobs, full-time schooling and an internship has been challenging, yet I wouldn't alter a single aspect because I am wholeheartedly pursing my dreams.

Naiela Suleiman, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Carlos Velazquez, Community Organizing concentration

I am most thankful for my time spent in classes, conducting research, studying, and discussing ideas with amazing minds and critical thinkers. I am also grateful for the ability to complete an internship within the East Hartford community and to connect with so many passionate individuals in this field. I am incredibly grateful for being selected for the Frank V. Carollo scholarship fund, one of my proudest life accomplishments. It is a privilege and honor to receive this scholarship. I hope to emulate the good work accomplished by Mr. Carollo throughout his career as a clinical social worker and meet my clients with the same passion, care, and attentiveness to their needs. It is a great honor to receive this scholarship and I hope to continue Mr. Carollo's legacy in the field of social work.

Corey Zemke, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am most appreciative of the opportunity to study in Germany to focus on the implications the Holocaust had on Social Work Practice. Not only have I always wanted to travel to Germany but have always had an interest in the Holocaust. I would never have had the opportunity to learn from German Social Workers and indulge myself in the culture and learning that is presented. I am incredibly appreciative of this scholarship. Working full time outside of school is very challenging and to have some cost of school offset is a big relief. I now feel I can focus more on my studies without worry of my next meal and/or paying for books/tuition. This scholarship makes me feel seen and understood as a working student.

Ariana Brasman, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am proud to be part of a growing number of people who are looking to serve those less fortunate and help create the bridge to finding available resources and getting the help they need. I appreciate both internships I’ve held as they have given me a greater perspective into what the community needs are and how they differ across cities. It gives me greater insight into struggles with domestic violence, homelessness and substance use. I would like to say thank you for helping me cover the cost of my bills in particular rent and electric. It helped me feel some breathing room to focus more on school and my internship.

Jaileene Arriaga, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Kate Hickie, Community Organizing concentration

Hailie Percy-Campbell, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Olivia LaCasse, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

UConn offers so many opportunities for learning and growth within my field, and its ability to connect us to agencies in the state that help us flourish as social workers is unique to the school's reputation and investment in the community. The program's focus on macro and micro-level social work is vital in my competence and world view. My field placement experience was daunting at first but has only honed my confidence in my abilities and fit in my career choice. Hands-on experience is an invaluable tool in becoming the best social worker I can be.

Madison Zuckerman, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I am most appreciative of my research experience at UConn, as I believe that is what propelled me forward into not only having a better understanding of my passions and interests, but also set me up for success for graduate school and my career beyond. I am going to school to be a social worker, to be someone who can help lift others up, help them work through their traumas, fears, relationships, and other challenges. I take the importance of this work extremely seriously, and it is a goal of mine to continue working towards being the best clinician I can be. Knowing I have a chance to shift my focus away from financial stress, and instead focus on helping others, my true passion, is a blessing.

Kevin Champagne, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Evelyn Perez, Community Organizing concentration

What excites me is being a part of this UConn Nation. Since I moved from Peru to Connecticut I always dreamed of being part of this university and I fulfilled my dreams by doing my BSW and MSW. I am proud to be a student at UConn not just because of the quality of education but their mission for students to be ethical, spiritual and responsible citizens. Also, I am proud of the values I learned. Doing my internship helped me interact with many organizations and meet professional people who helped me develop professionally. Thank you very much for helping me and giving me the opportunity to fulfill my dreams.

Faith Armah, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Sarah Gunn, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I am extremely proud to be a part of the UConn community. There is a reason our school is so well-known across the country. It is an amazing school with high-quality programs that prepare students for their future. I appreciate the many opportunities that UConn provides to help support students in academics and other areas of need. I have been fortunate enough to receive multiple scholarships through the school which have helped me purchase textbooks and school supplies. I am extremely grateful that I was offered this scholarship, which will help me through my final semester. This generous donation will ease my financial stress so that I am able to focus on my studies and finish my degree with a successful semester.

Fernando Valenzuela, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Kyla Kelley, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Having lived in Connecticut my entire life, I find it incredibly exhilarating to be a part of a nationally recognized program that is known for its rigorous standards. The combination of small class sizes, extensive internship options and high level of student support creates a comprehensive educational experience that goes beyond the classroom. It not only equips me and my peers with the necessary knowledge and skills but also nurtures personal growth and professional development. I am truly grateful for these aspects of the program, as they contribute to a well-rounded and enriching educational journey. If given the chance to express my gratitude to the scholarship donor, I would emphasize just how deeply appreciative I am to have been chosen as a recipient of this prestigious award.

Joyce Lopes, Individuals, Groups & Family Practice concentration

Alyssa Sullivan, Individuals, Groups & Family Practice concentration

As an MSW student, I have greatly appreciated my field placements. My interests and input were taken into consideration during the placement process, and I was lucky to be placed in two excellent agencies were I have gained valuable experience in the field. Furthermore, I am so appreciative of the professors. I have had some excellent teachers who are both knowledgeable in content and bring practice experience to their position. This scholarship will help in covering the various expenses that come with graduate education, from tuition and fees to textbooks to the cost of commuting. It has been challenging to balance the demands of a full-time course load, field hours and employment. The financial assistance and peace of mind this generous donation provides is very appreciated.

Avery Smith, Bachelor of Social Work

I want to thank you for your generous Raymond and Mary Borecki Buck Endowed Scholarship. It allows me to not only continue my studies, but it helps pay for my tuition and for books so I do not have to worry about the cost of finishing up my education. I plan to pursue a career in social justice which includes advocating and counseling young girls and women who have experienced injustices and trauma. My goal one day is to travel to different countries to support these women with counseling and proper education, and through this, hopefully, to write a book based on my experiences. I want to be a social worker because I want to give those who do not have a voice.

Jocelyn Rossitto, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

The impact that this scholarship has on my life is more than I can put into words. Receiving this scholarship helps to remind me that I'm on the right path, that the work I'm doing is meaningful. This scholarship helps give me peace of mind financially to continue through this program. After my MSW, my goal is to work in the criminal justice system, practicing social work in a juvenile detention center. I have always been passionate about criminal justice reform and lowering our country’s recidivism rate through rehabilitative practices. I’ve found that I’m fulfilled by my current work with juveniles in a youth service bureau, and hope to continue making a difference in our youth’s lives and futures through my future work in the criminal justice system.

Avery Smith, Bachelor of Social Work

I am writing to thank you for your generous scholarship. It allows me to not only continue my studies, but it helps pay for my tuition and for books. I plan to pursue a career in social justice which includes advocating and counseling young girls and women who have experienced injustices and trauma. My goal is to travel to different countries to support these women with counseling and proper education, and through this, hopefully, to write a book based on my experiences. I want to be a social worker because I want to give those who do not have a voice. I want to make a difference in the mental health system by inspiring a new generation to stand up and speak for what's right.

Rachel Brennan, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I am writing today to thank you for your generosity. This scholarship will assist me with my commuting costs, book purchases, parking expenses, and general living expenses. I am completing my field placement at Yale New Haven Hospital’s Intensive Outpatient Program, interning in the Transitional-Aged Youth general mental health track with individuals ranging from 18-25 years old. Many of the clients were recently hospitalized and are adjusting to being back in the community. My work at the IOP has been incredibly meaningful and has confirmed for me that I want to work with this population. I have really seen the value of group work and teaching coping skills to individuals with mental health difficulties.

Amanda Sullivan, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation. This scholarship will help me afford tuition and textbooks for my classes. This semester I’ve become very passionate about working with adolescents and adults. I’m currently placed at Pinnacle Behavioral Health in West Hartford, CT for my field placement. It is an IOP dedicated to working with adolescents who are currently experiencing depression, anxiety, as well as school refusal, maladaptive eating, self-injury and suicidal ideation. I currently facilitate the middle school dialectical behavioral therapy group and this is where I’ve realized my passion for working with adolescents. My plan is continuing to work in the group setting and IOP services, specifically with individuals who are experiencing self-harm, depression and anxiety.

Alison Allen, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

Thank you so very much for your generous donation for this scholarship. Once I decided on a career path, UConn was the only choice for me. Now I'm in my second semester, I am interning at Perception Programs in Storrs, where I have a generous caseload of college students and local residents that I offer therapeutic counseling to. I have an excellent manager and an absolute gift of a field advisor to help me navigate questions as they come up. I love learning from the hands-on work. I want to thank you again for your generosity. Your donation helps me to delay getting paid employment a little bit longer so that I can concentrate on my studies and give my best to my clients at my internship. I truly am so grateful.

Elena Appleton, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Thank you very much for your incredible generosity. In these uncertain times, every little bit of financial assistance helps, especially as I am in school full time and my husband has been supporting both of us on his teacher’s salary since early 2020. As my concentration is in individuals, groups, and families, I plan to go on to get my LCSW when I graduate so I can work with adults as a psychotherapist. I currently work part-time for a somatic therapy clinic which has afforded me the opportunity to learn about this niche specialty, piquing my interest in the power of mindfulness specifically around the treatment of PTSD.

Christopher Cocchi, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I wanted to thank you for your generous scholarship gift. I have been interested in going into the counseling and Social Work field for some time, starting as early as childhood when I wanted to help others who were being targeted or teased. I continued this desire to help others into my undergraduate work, and afterwards in my career working with students in special education. My intention was then to continue onto graduate school to further my education, but my work was impacted by the pandemic, which made saving more difficult. This scholarship relieves much of this tension. I want to dedicate myself to work towards obtaining my MSW degree, and from there LCSW certification. I am excited to continue this program to see where it can lead me.

Celina Fernandez-Ayala, Community Organizing concentration

Thank you for your generosity! Without this scholarship I would not have been able to afford my final semester of the MSW program. The pandemic, my transition to a new position as an Organizing Fellow, commuting to Hartford, and balancing schoolwork and class time have strained my finances. When I graduate, my employer plans to hire me as a full-time Community Organizer for education equity in Connecticut. I chose the community organizing track to work alongside my fellow Black and Brown kin to dismantle racism and all other social injustices. What I love most about UConn is the brilliant and supportive groups of friends that I made here!

Betsy Hebert, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

I thank you with sincere gratitude for providing me with this generous scholarship. I chose my course of study because I am interested in supporting the needs of children who can not speak for themselves and are often marginalized and oppressed. These are challenging times especially with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic. Addressing the mental health needs of our society has become ever more urgent. UConn has allowed me with an invaluable opportunity to receive a high-quality education which will afford me the opportunity to contribute to the advancement of human welfare especially in marginalized people. On the completion of my education I hope that I can exemplify UConn's mission to not only receive a quality education but to contribute to the needs of society.

Ebony Holloway, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

Thank you for your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. It provides me with much financial relief, as a mother of three paying for not only my own but my son's college tuition. My goal is to obtain my Master of Social Work degree, which will allow me to work with children and adolescents, either as a school or medical social worker. Working in the school system and having a field placement in a healthcare setting has allowed me to first-hand see how much of an impact I could make on children thanks to my education at UConn. UConn has given me the knowledge and confidence to be the social worker I know I can be.

Brianna Johnson, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

I am so grateful and humbled to be chosen as the recipient for this scholarship. This award means so much to me due to some of the financial stress it helps alleviate, especially as a working mother with a full-time course load. It also provides motivating recognition that the hard work and long hours I have committed to myself, this program, and my future clients, have not gone unnoticed. I am extremely fortunate to continue my education at the UConn School of Social Work, with plans for a career in clinical social work, because of generous donors like you. Thank you.

Lorena Martinez, Public Policy concentration

I am very grateful for your generosity through this scholarship! With the Frank V. Carollo scholarship, I am able to head into the semester with a little more ease. I am seeking a Master's in Social Work to have the skillset to make a positive impact and work alongside marginalized and vulnerable communities, both in the United States and in Latin America. Social Work is giving me the opportunity to understand the root causes of injustice and the tools to challenge it. I am grateful to have a UConn education for the rigorous and well-balanced curriculum with dedicated and passionate professors. It is truly a gift to be here!

Jamal Neal, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am so grateful to receive this scholarship! It allows me to pursue my education here at UConn while alleviating some of my financial burden. I am currently a joint degree student between here and Yale Divinity School. My hope for the future is to be able to create environments in which marginalized folks can show up as their full selves, actively participate in their environments, and be celebrated and encouraged to grow throughout their personal life journeys. For me, meaning-making is done through my religious and faith experiences. UConn has been providing me with the tools necessary to engage people and to meet them where they are.

Jacquelyn Perreault, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Thank you so much for your generosity in awarding me the Frank V. Carollo Scholarship. I am honored and encouraged to be chosen as a scholarship recipient. Your donation has enabled me to stay involved in the Hartford community, where I live and work, while attending school full-time. My professors, classmates, and educational experiences at UConn have affirmed my decision to pursue social work, and I am eager to begin my first field placement in the fall. As a social worker, I hope to work with children and immigrant populations, and I'm so thankful for your help in achieving this dream. Thank you for supporting social work in our region and thank you for contributing to my growth as a social worker.

Krista Sansone, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

As one of the recipients of your scholarship this semester I would like to sincerely thank you for this award. As I wrote in my application, balancing work with my education has been very challenging and this award will help ease some of this pressure. After graduation I plan to take the test to get my LMSW and eventually work to get my LCSW. I am currently completing my field education at the Community Health Center in Meriden. I have really enjoyed the environment and work I do there and intend to continue working for groups that advocate for accessible health care. I chose this field because of my interest in mental health care and believe that everyone deserves access to quality care.

Alona Scott, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

Thank you so much for choosing me as a recipient of the Frank V. Carollo Scholarship! I genuinely value this additional support to help me cover my education costs. After graduating, I intend to work primarily with adolescents in a trauma-informed setting who have been impacted by the legal system. As a result of your generous donation, you are creating the opportunity for me to amplify the voices of this underserved population. I will forever be grateful to the UConn community, as well as Frank V. Carollo, for your unwavering generosity and support.

Lexie Soja, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

Your generosity has been a privilege and an honor to receive. This scholarship will aid in the beginning of my career, as I will be graduating this upcoming May. I'm currently completing my final field placement in the Pediatric Endocrinology Outpatient Clinic at Connecticut Children’s. My goal is to continue a career in medical social work. I'm fully determined to continue working with and advocating for vulnerable populations who are disproportionately impacted due to healthcare disparities.

Michaela Tripputi, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

Thank you so much for your generosity! I am so appreciative to have received this scholarship. Especially during these uncertain times, it means a lot to have some assistance. This is my first semester at UConn for my Masters in Social Work. I am so excited to expand my knowledge and learn from my teachers, peers and field placements. With this degree I hope to work with adolescents to young adults who are struggling with their mental health, particularly in the juvenile legal system. My ultimate goal is to be able to provide resources and support for individuals in need. I can’t thank you enough for the generous donation and opportunity it provides me to keep learning to reach my goals!

Shanieka Welsh, Individuals, Groups & Families concentration

I am writing to thank you for your generous donation. Being an agent of change and an individual who creates tiny ripples of hope has been a dream of mine since I established and managed a non-profit organization at the age of sixteen which catered to the less fortunate in my birth country, Jamaica. UConn has further helped to keep this passion aflame through their commitment to providing students with a quality learning experience. I truly enjoy their commitment to inclusion and justice and the hands-on experience provided through my studies at this prestigious university. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and to give back to the community. I hope one day I will be able to help students achieve their goals just as you have helped me.

Ana Torres Cervantes, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

Thank you so much for your generosity! This scholarship helps me to continue the work that I am doing now with underserved individuals as it will fund my license exam! I look forward to continuing to provide mental health services for some of our most vulnerable communities and populations once I graduate with my Master's in Social Work in May. My passion stems from being someone who grew up as part of an underserved population and wishing there was more available for my family and those around me. I want to thank you again for your generosity. Being able to receive this scholarship ensures I continue to believe that I am capable of whatever I put my heart into!

Jessica Lewis, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Thank you for your generosity and support as I work toward achieving my MSW. As an African American woman who grew up in the inner city, I always knew that I wanted to dedicate my career to serving my community. I aspire to work as a medical social worker in urban underserved communities to provide support to those greatly impacted by health disparities. Your scholarship will help me in achieving this goal. Thank you again for your investment in students, such as myself who strive to make a difference in the world. I will remember your generosity and I hope to give back to other students in the future just as you have graciously given to me.

Eunices Pineda, Community Organizing concentration

It is an honor to be chosen for the Karen Kellerman and Peter Arakas Fellowship. The scholarship provides financial support and relief to continue my career in social work and public health. In Ecuador, I witnessed how sociocultural factors and a broken system cause social inequities, specifically affecting individuals from vulnerable communities. At age 13, I learned the harsh reality in my country, my grandmother was hospitalized in a public hospital. During this time, I witnessed the despair of others who had similar conditions but were unable to afford health care. Learning this reality encouraged me to pursue a career in public health and social work. As a future social worker, I want to advocate against social inequities, empowering communities to have a voice.

Meghan O'Connor, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am so grateful to be a recipient of the LeBoeuf Johnson Master of Social Work Scholarship Fund. I am about to complete my MSW, and while working multiple jobs in addition to grad school this scholarship will be of great financial help, particularly with student debt. I am a person in long-term recovery and completing this MSW is a huge step towards working in addiction treatment for the rest of my career. Again, I am so grateful for your support of my studies and for other aspiring social workers.

Emory Fairchild, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

This generous award allows me to continue my education in the Master of Social Work program. I hope to get my LCSW and practice as a clinical social worker in marginalized and underserved communities for some time before going back to school to get my PhD in Social Work so that I may conduct my own research. I would love to learn more about interventions that improve the mental wellness of oppressed youth. I am currently at a field practicum at Noah Webster Micro-Society Magnet School in Hartford, where I work as a school social worker with middle-school aged children. Receiving this type of financial aid makes a huge difference to my graduate experience.

Gina Squitieri, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Thank you for your generosity in awarding me this scholarship. It helps provide both economic relief and a sense of self confidence knowing that someone else can acknowledge my resilience. Living with epilepsy I have managed to live as normal of a life as possible, including maintaining a part time job. However, living in the suburbs with a lack of public transportation has made it difficult to work to my fullest potential. I chose to complete a degree in social work to give back to a community that faces chronic and acute health ailments. Outside of school I am working on becoming an ambassador for the Epilepsy Foundation to expand my skills by advocating on a macro level and spreading awareness about this chronic illness.

James Stone, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I would like to thank Mary Ellen and John D. Killeen for their generous scholarship. This award will allow me to pursue my Masters of Social Work with less of a financial burden. It also motivates me to continue to work hard and stay focused so that I become the best possible social worker. I chose this field because I recognize that public servants like social workers are going to be needed now more than ever to advocate on behalf of their clients and provide support to those seeking help with an array of issues that plague our society. My goal is to integrate mental, physical, and emotional components of health into my practice. I believe that a holistic approach to wellness is the most effective way to treat the clients I will serve.

Audra Panciera, Community Organizing concentration

I am extraordinarily grateful for the generosity of the Miriam Silverman Memorial Scholarship. Balancing field work, classes, family responsibilities, and a job has been a challenging but rewarding experience. Particularly during the pandemic, when employment can be unpredictable, this scholarship provides financial support that is very appreciated. I chose to go into social work, and community organizing specifically, because of the profession’s commitment to social justice. I hope to utilize my MSW to join others in doing the work to create a more equitable society. I am particularly passionate about climate justice, food justice, and immigrant justice, but I am open and eager to work in any area that furthers the social work mission. Thank you again for this scholarship and for believing in my future as a social worker.

Audrey Duhaime, Individuals, Groups and Families concentration

I am beyond grateful to have been awarded the Nancy Tarr Berdon scholarship. I feel immense gratitude as such a generous gift is truly a blessing. Thank you so much for the opportunity to accept this award. In my final year at UConn, I will remember receiving this award as an MSW student for the rest of my life. As I finish up this semester, this award provides a magnitude of assistance for student expenses. Receiving this award has allowed me to focus on my studies, field placement and finish the year out strong.

Matthew Stayner, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

Thank you so much for your generous scholarship. This scholarship will help me to focus more of my energy and time on becoming the best, most effective social worker that I can be. Following graduation, I intend to work with vulnerable populations, particularly those who are homeless or housing insecure and those with addictions. Your gift will allow me to become an effective social worker and to learn skills that I will use to help people in our communities who are at risk and in need of help.

Cassidy McHugh, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration

I wanted to take this time to thank you for your generosity. This scholarship gives me the opportunity to not have to worry so much about the financial aspect of school and really dive deep into my studies. I graduated with my bachelor's degree from the University of New Haven in criminal justice this past May and my goal is to work with adolescents in the juvenile justice system. I have learned a tremendous amount on how to work with clients, especially with kids. Much of this comes through in my internship at a middle school. I look forward to the future and being able to apply all that I have learned at UConn to my practice.

Kailey Bousquet, Individuals, Groups & Family Practice

Thank you so much for your generosity in awarding me this scholarship! This support will help alleviate some of the financial burdens that come with pursuing higher education and allow me to maintain focus on reaching my academic and professional goals in social work. I will forever be grateful for the knowledge and experiences the program, my professors, and my peers have provided me, and I look forward to using my newly acquired skills and education to provide for and learn from others. Although it is bittersweet that my time as a student at the UConn School of Social Work will be coming to an end soon, I feel confident that I have been prepared to enter the world of social work and be successful in it.

Kimberley Persaud, Community Organizing concentration

I was extremely excited when I received my letter informing me I was chosen for the Shirley and Howard Dickstein Scholarship Fund. Your contribution of this scholarship helps me immensely as I complete my last year in the Master of Social Work program at UConn and provides me with financial support and encouragement. As a first-generation college student, I selected to pursue my MSW because I enjoy meeting members in my community and collaborating with local agencies and small businesses to help create resources and opportunities for families. I hope to positively impact the field of social work by supporting, advocating, and empowering members in the community. Upon graduation, my goal is to work with The Department of Children and Families and continue to work with children in foster care and help aid sibling reunification.

"[After graduating], I would like to work primarily with adolescents in a trauma-informed setting, conducting both English- and Spanish-speaking therapy services for clients. I am also considering working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder. I will forever be grateful to the UConn community, as well as Dr. Julio Morales Jr. for their support and generosity during these unprecedented times."
—Omally Martinez, Individuals, Groups, and Families concentration