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February is Black History Month
Stony Brook will observe the official 2026 national theme established by the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH), “A Century of Black History Commemorations,” with events that honor the past, celebrate the present, and imagine the future through academic exploration, cultural expression, and community engagement.
Throughout February, the office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement (DICE) and its many partners will host a wide range of events, including lectures, cultural performances, panel discussions, and community engagement opportunities.
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Service, Dignity, and Advocacy: BSW Students Take Part in PIT Count
Last week, three BSW seniors—Hais Montville, Nia Owens, and Aziza Said, along with Clinical Associate Professor, Leah Topek-Walker, DSW, LCSW-R, participated in the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count, braving frigid temperatures as they walked through wooded areas where individuals experiencing homelessness reside. Many of these locations are hidden in plain sight—tucked away in wooded areas behind grocery stores and shopping centers.
The students visited each site equipped with coats, sleeping bags, and other essential supplies. When they encountered individuals, they engaged with them respectfully and compassionately, offering resources while honoring each person’s dignity, autonomy, and lived experience.
This hands-on service is a critical component of understanding the realities of homelessness on Long Island and the populations most affected by housing instability. Through this experience, the students applied core social work skills to connect with community members who may otherwise lack access to the basic human right of shelter.
“Spending the day with these students was inspiring and made me proud to be part of the SSW community,” said Dr. Topek-Walker.
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Jeanette Lukas, DSW, LMSW, clinical associate professor, joined a Stony Brook Medicine interdisciplinary team to present at the 2026 International Network for Healthcare Workforce Education (INHWE) Online Conference.
The presentation focused on how effective faculty collaboration enhances student experience and outcomes in interprofessional collaborative learning (IPCL). Dr. Lukas presented alongside Maria Milazzo, PhD, RN, and Kelli Star Fox, DSW, LCSW, LADC, CCS.
In addition, Marie Yamamoto, an advanced standing MSW student, presented on the Interprofessional Education Policy Practice Pilot (IPE3P). IPE3P will be a component of the Political Economy of Social Welfare
(HWC 310) course curriculum.
Also present were other members of the IPE3P team, including Gabriella Pandolfelli Phd, MPH, Program in Public Health; Bonnie Lipow, DDS, School of Dental Medicine; Haylee Hebenstreit, PhD, LMSW, School of Social Welfare; and Erik Flynn, MA, School of Health Professions.
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Attention BSW Students: Announcing the 2026
Dr. L. Eudora Pettigrew Research Grant
The Dr. L. Eudora Pettigrew Women’s History Summer Research Excellence Grant provides undergraduate students with the opportunity to research the significant role women have led in the development of New York State and to recognize the contributions women leaders have played in the state and the region.
The grant will provide a student stipend of $5,000 for 8-10 weeks of research and up to $3,000 for travel and living expenses. The award duration is June 1, 2026, to August 31, 2026.
The submission deadline is February 24, 2026.
Please submit questions here: research@suny.edu and reference
“RFP 26-05-Pettigrew” in the subject line.
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Attention Staten Island Residents
Staten Island residents enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate social work program are encouraged to apply. The Foundation will support up to four (4) social work students in their otherwise unpaid internship that is required for their degree.
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Schaffer Scholarship For Students Returning to College; Deadline June 1
The Union for University Professionals (UUP) has a new scholarship to help students who have returned to school to pursue a degree.
The Jo Schaffer Second Chance/Returning Student Scholarship is open to undergraduate students who are enrolled at a SUNY state-operated college or university after leaving college, trade school, or the military and remaining out for at least a year.
This one-time, $3,000 scholarship is meant to assist students who are back in class after a hiatus — for any reason — of a year or longer.
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Science Policy Fellowship Accepting Applications!
Fellows who have completed an MA, MS, or MPH/MSPH degree, or who are currently enrolled in a doctoral program, will receive an annual stipend of $63,800. Fellows who have completed a PhD, ScD, EngD, MD, DrPH, or DVM will receive an annual stipend of $69,300.
For additional information and to apply, click here.
| | | Form submission deadline is February 4. | | |
"I'm for truth, no matter who tells it. I'm for justice, no matter who it is for or against. I'm a human being, first and foremost, and as such I'm for whoever and whatever benefits humanity as a whole."
- Malcolm X
| | Editor: Jennifer Davidson | Contributing Editor: Andrew Capitelli | Graphic Design: Andrea Trezza | | Stony Brook University/SUNY is an affirmative action, equal opportunity educator and employer. | | Stay Informed. FOLLOW US on Social Media! | | | | |
