Garland Gathering Program Order

5:45 p.m.     Doors open & t-shirt printing will be available until 7 p.m.

6:15 p.m.     Dinner begins

7:00 p.m.     Program begins

T-shirt printing resumes  after the program until 9:00 p.m.

Program Details

Introduction: Dr. Jon Singletary, Dean

Invocation: Kevin Pronato, BOA Member

School highlights and updates:  Dr. Jon Singletary, Dean

Internship supervisor awards: Sarah Ritter, MSW Program Director

Undergraduate student awards: Dr. Luci Ramos Hoppe, BSW Program Director

Graduate student awards: Dr. Christen Argueta, Online MSW Program Director

Retirement recognition: Dr. Jon Singletary, Dean

Benediction: Kerri Fisher, Associate Dean of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

The Alicia Martinez Spirit of Social Work Award

This award is intended for students who embody the spirit of social work through engagement in and beyond the classroom, and who demonstrate a commitment to the values of the profession. In 2021, it was renamed to honor MSW student Alicia Martinez who lost her battle with COVID-19. Alicia was a shining example of the spirit of social work both in and out of the classroom, and it only seemed fitting to honor her legacy in the profession through this award. You can read more about her here.

Award Nomination Process

The Awards Committee manages the Garland School of Social Work award process. Any GSSW student who graduates with a BSW or MSW in August 2024, December 2024 or May 2025 is eligible for award consideration. Award recipients are recognized at the annual Garland School of Social Work Garland Gathering in April at the conclusion of the academic school year.