Congratulations to the Class of 2017!
Commencement for the Jane Addams College of Social Work was held on Friday, May 5, 2017. On that day, 201 MSW students, 17 MSW/MPH students and nine PhD students entered or advanced in the profession of social work.
Dean Hairston opened the event with a welcome to all who attended, and offered congratulations to the graduates and their families. She then introduced the day’s three speakers: University of Illinois Trustee Ramon Cepeda, UIC Chancellor Michael Amiridis, and Dr. James P. Gleeson, who would be giving the commencement address.
Ready to Make the World a Better Place
Trustee Cepeda reminded the graduates that this is a time of transition in their lives, and that they have been made ready by their time at UIC. “Your experiences here have helped you identify your goals, and moves you forward for your calling,” he said. “You represent an entire cohort of people determined to do good and help others, and to make the world a better place. I applaud you all for that.”
Chancellor Amiridis then told the graduates to enjoy their momentous day. “I hope that you have plans for a great party tonight, but please remember that the rest of your life starts at 7:00 a.m. sharp tomorrow morning,” he said to the amusement of those in the audience.
“And I mean it when I say tomorrow morning because as I look at all of you today, besides the smiles that I see, I see the millennial generation grown up and ready to take the world in new directions.” Then, with a note of seriousness he added, “And my hope is that this process will start tomorrow, because we need it.”
“More importantly, I really believe that you are the most optimistic generation that we have seen in the last decades,” the chancellor continued. “You see a world of possibilities, and you are not stuck on labels. Millennials are much more accepting of differences, and your inclusion of other religions, races, genders or sexual orientations means that you will continue to support institutions and laws that promote social and economic equality.”
Dr. Gleeson was then awarded the Jane Addams College of Social Work Pioneer Award, for his long career as a child welfare practitioner, teacher, administrator, consultant and researcher, and as a nationally and internationally recognized child welfare scholar. The Pioneer Award is the highest honor bestowed by the college, and was established to recognize alumni who have made significant, innovative or pioneering contributions to a community, state, or nation consistent with the mission of the college.
A Bittersweet Commencement Address: Staying Inspired to Achieve Social Justice
Dr. Gleeson, who will soon be retiring after 30 years at the college, then took the podium for what would be his final commencement ceremony as a faculty member of the college.
He opened by echoing the chancellor’s sentiments. “You’ve achieved your goal and earned your degree. So what comes next? Well, this is where it gets real,” he said. “You’ve not just completed an academic exercise, you’ve entered or advanced in a noble profession, the profession of social work. Social work is not just a job. In fact, it is not just a profession. It is a calling, and it is a responsibility.”
“And this is especially the case when you’re a graduate of the Jane Addams College of Social Work, a college with a mission to pursue social, economic and racial justice,” Gleeson continued. “We have a charge to continue the legacy of Jane Addams and advance the wellbeing of at-risk urban populations. This is an ambitions mission and a daunting charge, and if we are to realize both its pretty clear we have a lot of work to do.”
He went on to list many statistics, all pointing to how much work is yet to be done to achieve social justice. He exhorted the graduates to remember the namesake of the college, Jane Addams, and all that she accomplished to advance justice in her time. “But that was a long time ago,” he said. “Where do we look for inspiration today? Where are our role models for facing today’s challenges?”
“Turns out we don’t have to go far for sources of inspiration in pursuing social, racial and economic justice,” he continued. “There are sources of inspiration right here at the Jane Addams College of Social Work, among our faculty, our alumni, our community partners, our current students and you, our graduates. I am continually inspired by the knowledge, expertise and passion for social justice that drives their work.”
“I invite you to pay attention when our PhD graduates walk across this stage today. Listen to the titles of the dissertation research they conducted, and tell me whether you think Jane Addams would be proud. I know each of these graduates,” Gleeson said admiringly, “and I can tell you their research is driven by passion for social justice locally, nationally and internationally.”
Lastly, he observed, “And take note of all the MSW graduates who will cross the stage today. They include social workers specializing in services to children and families, mental health practice, school social work, and community health and urban development. This is a well-prepared addition to the MSW workforce. I am inspired by your passion, your enthusiasm, your drive and your commitment to social, racial and economic justice. We are expecting great things of you!”