UB Social Work Students Receive Awards at Commencement

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Seventeen students attending the University at Buffalo School of Social Work received awards during the school's commencement ceremony held on May 14.

The University at Buffalo is a premier research-intensive public university, the largest and most comprehensive campus in the State University of New York.

Students who received awards were:

• Jennifer L. Rossotto of Dunkirk, the Kristopher L. Braselton Memorial Award, presented to a graduating student from the health/mental health/disabilities concentration who has exhibited sensitivity and caring toward 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 Master of Social Work degree, and has demonstrated academic persistence and determination, despite such hardship.

• Liana Taublieb of Buffalo, 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.

• Michelle Carver of Wheatfield, the Louisa Cielen Scholarship. Established by Emil J. Cielen, this annual award is presented to a meritorious student entering his or her final year of the M.S.W. program with a commitment in the field of health.

• Ann Marie Hand of Penn Yan, 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.

• Lisa Lichtenthal of Tonawanda, the Terese M. 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.

• Molly B. Codding of Rochester, the Dena P. Gold Memorial Award, given to a graduating student for outstanding study, fieldwork or other contributions related to family, women or children.

• Julie Pasquale of Lewiston, 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.

• Mary C. Hayes-O'Brian of Odessa and Corey Cummings of Rochester, the NASW Award (National Association of Social Workers) Western New York and Genesee Valley Division Awards (respectively), presented to a student who has demonstrated academic excellence and personified values that are enunciated by the NASW.

• Kathryne Scanlon of West Seneca, 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.

• David D. Coppola of Buffalo, Carna Chamberlin of Jamestown, James B. Smith of Rochester and Brian S. Parchesky of Millerton, Pa., 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 the community.

• Sharon A. Ackley of Cheektowaga, the Julian Sojda Memorial Fund Award, presented to a graduating student who has made an extraordinary contribution to addictions practice, addicted trauma survivors and/or people with coexisting psychiatric disorders and addictive disorders.

• Marget R. Read of East Syracuse, 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.

• Veronica R. Mack of Jamestown, the Thorn and Rose Award, presented to a graduating student who has demonstrated integrity, maturity, collegiality and volunteerism.