LSU School of Social Work Expresses Gratitude Through Service and Community Impact
As Thanksgiving approaches, LSU School of Social Work (SSW) is celebrating a season of gratitude by highlighting the dedicated efforts of students, faculty, alumni, and community partners who work tirelessly to make a positive impact. Throughout the Thanksgiving week, the School will showcase stories of thankfulness, spotlighting the power of social work to uplift and strengthen communities.
From the classroom to the field, LSU SSW is dedicated to nurturing future social work leaders who bring compassion and service to those in need. “I am thankful for the faculty and staff in the School of Social Work and the commitment that they bring to research and teaching that impacts lives across the country. I am especially grateful for the opportunity to engage with our inspiring students whose drive and passion will change the world,” said SSW Director Dr. Michelle Livermore.
In the spirit of gratitude and giving, LSU SSW is proud to spotlight acts of service that demonstrate the compassionate heart of our community. LSU’s Association of Black Social Workers is leading efforts to support those in need by assembling Winter Kits for unhoused individuals and hosting a canned goods drive to combat food insecurity. Additionally, the Field Education team and SSW staff are coming together to fill and donate hygiene bags to one of our partner agencies, ensuring clients receive essential items during the holiday season. These initiatives embody the mission of social work, inspiring us all to serve and uplift our communities.
The School will also recognize our valuable partnerships with agencies, nonprofits, and organizations. These collaborations enable students to gain hands-on experience while directly benefiting the communities they serve. Shelly D. Weaver, Director of Social Work and Civil Rights Compliance at The Hospice of Baton Rouge, shared, “We are incredibly grateful to be a space where social work students can develop their skills and prepare for successful practice. Their energy and enthusiasm bring a fresh perspective and inspire our agency to grow alongside them.”
As part of this celebration of gratitude, LSU SSW has invited students, faculty, staff, and alumni to share what they are most thankful for in their professional and academic journeys:
- Kayden Langlois, Junior Social Work major and SSW student worker: “I am most thankful for being able to work as a student under the social work department and being able to make so many friends and connections.”
- Elaine M. Maccio, MSW Program Director: “I'm thankful for great colleagues, who make it such a pleasure to work at the School of Social Work.”
- Paula Davis, Field Liaison: “I am grateful to be given the ability to work with students. I think it makes me stay on top of the current best practices and I love what I do.”
- Dr. Brij Mohan, Dean Emeritus: “Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American festival, invokes a sense of gratitude and admiration for being American.”
- Alum Reggie Young, Class of 2021: “Although I am thankful for my education from LSU, I am most thankful for the staff at LSU, Tara Landry. Tara provided me an opportunity to fulfill my purpose when other people said no. The reason why I’m doing God's work is because of Tara. I am forever thankful for the opportunity she provided me.”
As we enter this season of giving, LSU SSW encourages everyone to support local service initiatives and consider ways to give back to those who need it most.
For more information on LSU School of Social Work or to learn about ways to support the School, please visit www.socialwork.lsu.edu.