13 Honored at UB School of Social Work Commencement

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Thirteen students attending the University at Buffalo School of Social Work received awards during the school's recent commencement ceremony.

Students who received awards were:

o Jan Benz, the NASW (National Association of Social Workers) Western New York Division Award, presented to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and personified values that are enunciated by NASW

o Jorien Brock of Elma, the School of Social Work "Outstanding Student of the Year" Award, given to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence; leadership abilities within the school, community or university, and a commitment to the social work profession through his or her role as a student, colleague or member of a community

o Robert Chapman of Buffalo, the Julian Sojda Memorial Fund award, presented to a graduating student who makes an extraordinary contribution to addictions practice, addicted trauma survivors and/or people with coexisting psychiatric disorders and addictive disorders

o Nilda Colon of Amherst, the Haseltine T. Clements Memorial Fund Award, given to a graduating student who has demonstrated a concern for human dignity and interracial relations in his or her field performance or through participation in cross-cultural activities that enhance interracial relationships

o Alicia Duffett of Hamburg, the School of Social Work Alumni Association Award, presented to a student who has completed the foundation curriculum and who has demonstrated practice skills, relationship building with clients and a commitment to the social work profession in the field education experience

o Roberta Farkas-Huezo of Orchard Park, the Dena P. Gold Memorial Award, given to a graduating student for outstanding study, fieldwork or other contributions related to family, women or children

o Pam Gaglione of Tonawanda, the Terese Eusanio Memorial Scholarship recognizing and supporting a continuing part-time student who demonstrates an interest in working in an area of women's health, maintains high academic standards and social work ethics, and works as a team member who is interested in, and has an aptitude for, community action aimed at social and political change

o Sarah Gordy of Williamsville, the Thorn and Rose Award, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated integrity, maturity, collegiality and volunteerism

o Mary Len of Lockport, the Kristopher L. Braselton Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student from the health/mental health/disabilities concentration who has exhibited sensitivity and caring towards others, supportiveness of his or her classmates, a sense of humor and a distinct ability to make another's day a bit brighter. The recipient has overcome a personal difficulty or challenge while pursing the M.S.W. degree, and has demonstrated academic persistence and determination, despite such hardship.

o Lori Miazga of Cheektowaga, the Niles Carpenter Scholarship, given to a student who has finished the school's foundation curriculum and plans to return to school for the concentration coursework. It is based on financial need, field performance, grade-point average and professional potential.

o Rita Turkiewicz of Cheektowaga, the Dorothy L. Lynn Honorary Award recognizing a student who has demonstrated consistently outstanding performance in class and in the field during the foundation years of the degree program

o Amy Upham of Tonawanda, the School of Social Work Alumni Association Award, presented to a student who has completed the foundation curriculum and who has demonstrated practice skills, relationship building with clients and a commitment to the social work profession in the field education experience

o Meredith Webb of Buffalo, the Archie W. Swanson Honorary Award, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated in fieldwork practice professional integrity, creativity, respect for the dignity of people, warmth and keen sensitivity