The School of Social Work in the Falk College of Sport and Human Dynamics recently honored the following undergraduate and graduate students with 2025 department awards at its annual awards and celebration event:
Keith Anthony Alford Diversity and Inclusion Award
This award is named in honor of Keith Alford, Ph.D., former Syracuse University Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer (2018-2021), M.S.W. Program Director (2016-2018), B.S.S.W. Program Director (2008-2012), and Director of the School of Social Work (2016-2019).
Recipient: Naomi Brogden (Undergraduate)
From Naomi: “During my final year at Syracuse University, I had the opportunity to intern at Onondaga Community College’s Counseling & Community Care Hub, where I supported students as a Case Management intern. That experience deepened my passion for working with students, especially those with developmental disabilities who are too often left without the support they deserve. Following graduation, I’ll be attending Rutgers University for its Advanced Standing M.S.W. program and where I plan to continue advocating for more inclusive, holistic support systems in schools.”
Recipient: Nicole Corrente (Graduate)
From Nicole: “One of my proudest accomplishments to date has been leading mission teams to Choluteca, Honduras, in collaboration with local organizations dedicated to feeding, housing and supporting some of the city’s most vulnerable populations. Most recently, I completed my final field placement with Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, working within the Services for Afghan Survivors Impacted by Combat program to provide mental health support services for refugees. Looking ahead, I hope to apply my social work skills in international settings, serving impoverished and marginalized communities around the world.”
Elizabeth Brown Thoreck Student Achievement Award
This award is presented to a non-traditional-aged undergraduate student who is in good academic standing in the academic arena and the field placement setting.
Recipient: Kiana Williams (Undergraduate)
From Kiana: “I am a 44-year-old mom to my wonderful 19-year-old son Kairo, who is a freshman at Syracuse University. I work full-time as the case manager at a runaway and homeless teen shelter, where I have worked for almost three years. My field placement is Family Place, which provides clinical counseling and coached visitation for parents working to get their children back from kinship/foster placement. While initially jarring, this field placement was a blessing because it helped me figure out what I wanted to do in the future. Following graduation, I’ll be attending the Syracuse University School of Social Work Advanced Standing M.S.W. program. I want to help older teens and young adults meet their basic needs, tend to their mental health needs, and educate them on their history and the power of Black, Latino, Asian, Indigenous, and LGBTQIA+ communities.”
Bachelor of Science in Social Work Award
This award is given to a Social Work graduating senior in good academic standing who is involved in social work, community, and Syracuse University activities.
Recipient: Madeline Heintz (Undergraduate)
From Madeline: “I am graduating with a dual major in Social Work and Psychology and I compete for Syracuse’s track and cross country team. I completed my practicum field placement and work with REACH CNY, a perinatal services nonprofit that provides Early Head Start home visiting and supervised visitation, and I am involved with Social Workers United. Next year, I’m pursuing a certificate in Health Services Administration and Policy and aspire to earn my M.S.W. in the future.”
Scholastic Excellence Award
This award is given to the student with the highest cumulative GPA among graduating seniors.
Recipient: Alexis Maag (Undergraduate)
From Alexis: “I am currently a senior in the Social Work undergraduate program, with my current field placement at Van Duyn Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing. I plan to attend the Syracuse University Advanced Standing M.S.W. program starting this summer. My hope for my future graduate placement is to gain experience regarding administrative work and help provide needed resources and support to the community.”
Catherine Mary Esposito Achievement Award
This award is given to an outstanding undergraduate student who has demonstrated a commitment to clients with developmental disabilities and is in good academic standing, but more importantly has had success with people who have developmental disabilities.
Recipient: Maya Carter (Undergraduate)
From Maya: “As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to serve as a home visitor and educator with the Early Head Start program at REACH CNY. Working to support school readiness while strengthening parent-child relationships with families from all walks of life has deepened my passion for the social work profession and reinforced my commitment to community empowerment. This fall, I will begin the Advanced Standing M.S.W. program at Syracuse University and start my journey at the VA, where I will focus on housing support for veterans in the Syracuse area.”
Recipient: Erin Huber (Graduate)
From Erin: “I am a recent graduate, and my field placement was at Alliance of Disability Advocates in Raleigh, North Carolina. ADA is a center for independent living and non-profit organization that offers five core services to disabled individuals in the communities it serves, including independent living skills training, peer support, advocacy, transition support, and information and referrals. I am currently employed full-time with ADA and work with people of all disabilities, including developmental disabilities. I also have a developmental disability (ADHD) and was not officially diagnosed until my final semester of graduate school. I am in the process of receiving my work incentive practitioner credential through Cornell University’s WIP training program. I am grateful for this award and will continue to advocate for the disability community in the future.”
Rhonda B. Cohen Prize in Gerontology Award
This award is named in honor of Rhonda B. Cohen, who graduated from the M.S.W. program in 1983 and was an advocate for the elderly before passing away at a young age. The award criteria include cumulative GPA, community service, and an interest in working with older adults.
Recipient: Natalie Foley (Undergraduate)
From Natalie: “I am a Social Work and Psychology undergraduate major with a minor in Human Development and Family Science. I am currently completing my second field placement at Central Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. My first field placement was at Huntington Family Center. These opportunities provided me with the experience I needed to shape my academic next steps and future career, and I am excited to attend New York University’s Advanced Standing M.S.W. program in the fall.”
Mary Pat Cotter Remembrance Award 2nd- Year Graduate Student
This award is given to a graduate Social Work student for contributions to Substance abuse and HIV/AIDS.
Recipient: Samuel Castleberry (Graduate)
About Sam: Sam works full-time as a CASAC at Helio Health, where he supervises the Mobile Crisis team and the Syracuse Crisis Intervention and Prevention Program (SCIPP), which focuses on SUD assessment, connecting individuals to detox or inpatient services, and following-up on every 911-reported overdose in the City of Syracuse within 24 hours. Sam recently completed his internship at Upstate’s Psychiatry High Risk Program, which specifically focuses on individuals at high risk of suicide, many of whom struggle with SUD. Sam identifies as a person in recovery from SUD and knows from first-hand experience that recovery is not only possible, but transformative.”
Kenneth J. Marfilius Veteran or Military Connected Student Award
This award is given to a graduate student in good academic standing who is a military veteran. The award is based on GPA and community and Syracuse University contributions.
Recipient: Jason ODay (Graduate)
About Jason: Jason completed his field placement at TrueNorth Wellness Services in McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, where he gained invaluable experience and was welcomed as part of the family. He is currently employed at Echo Harbor Mental Health, a veteran-led business he is building with his fellow Marine and M.S.W. classmate, Sam Coyl. Both will graduate in May 2025 and together they are committed to expanding access to mental health care, raising awareness, and making a lasting impact in the lives of veterans and underserved communities.”
Virginia Insley Award
This award is given to an outstanding Social Work M.S.W. Health Care Concentration student who is interested in maternal and child health.
Recipient: Jennifer Wall (Graduate)
About Jennifer: Jennifer is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Zach’s Bridge, a 1:1 peer support program for advanced and bereaved pediatric cancer parents and caregivers that she started with her husband, Jonathan, after the death of their son Zach in 2021. She also works as a Parent Peer Research Navigator for the COMPRENDO Intervention at the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and previously served as Bereavement Coordinator at Notre Dame Healthcare in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she completed her social work internship in 2023-2024. Jennifer also holds a Master’s in Healthcare Management from the Heller School at Brandeis University and a bachelor’s degree from Brown University. She intends to continue her work with Zach’s Bridge and Dana Farber after graduation, and is considering starting a small, direct practice focused on grieving parents.
Carrie Jefferson Smith Social Justice Award
This award is given to a student who has demonstrated commitment to social justice, particularly in the area of improving the lives of victims impacted by the continuum of domestic violence.
Recipient: Kirstin Hock (Graduate)
About Kirstin: Kirstin is a dedicated professional in the field of child welfare with nearly a decade of experience. She recently completed her field placement at the Onondaga County Department of Children and Family Services. Alongside her efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of abused and neglected children, she provides advocacy and support for children and families impacted by domestic violence. After graduation, Kirstin plans to continue her career in child welfare as an LMSW, driven by a strong commitment to social justice and systemic change for vulnerable populations.