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SSW Students Recognized at FirstGen Pinning Celebration
The SBU FirstGen Pinning Celebration on May 14, honored Stony Brook University’s graduating first-generation college students, including many students from the School of Social Welfare. Chaired by SSW Clinical Lecturer Haylee Hebenstreit, PhD, MSW, the event recognized the determination, resilience, and accomplishments of first-generation students whose experiences continue to strengthen the Stony Brook community.
| The ceremony celebrated each graduate’s achievements and the lasting impact they are creating for themselves, their families, and future generations. Family members, friends, mentors, and supporters joined in recognizing this important milestone and the collective support that helped students succeed. | | | |
SSW Celebrates Student Success at
Class of 2026 Honors Convocation
On Friday, May 15, the School of Social Welfare proudly recognized the accomplishments of its graduating BSW and MSW students during the Class of 2026 Honors Convocation held in the MART Auditorium.
The ceremony celebrated students graduating with summa cum laude, magna cum laude, and cum laude distinctions, as well as members of the Phi Alpha Honor Society, BSW students who completed the Passport to the Profession program, SSW Ambassadors, and recipients of Practicum Education Awards.
Faculty, staff, family members, and supporters gathered to honor the dedication, perseverance, and contributions of these graduates as they prepare to begin the next chapter of their social work careers. Congratulations to all!
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Celebrating Friendship, Perseverance, Accomplishment, and the End of the Academic Year
Manhattan students gathered to honor their upcoming graduation, reflect on their hard work, and celebrate the meaningful connections formed along the journey.
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MSW student Madison Moskowitz, Coordinator of Diversity, Intercultural, and Community Engagement, Rosanna Cuttone, MSW, '25, , Clinical Lecturer Haylee Hebenstreit, PhD, MSW, and BSW student Cole Weiner, proudly represented the SSW at the Jerrold L. Stein Student Life Awards for Excellence in Student Leadership and Campus Involvement last week.
The event is an annual celebration of the exceptional students, organizations, and advisors at SBU. Cole was nominated for his work with WUSB and an Organizational Leadership award.
Other SSW students nominated for awards included Kamilah Pasha, Scarlett Gress Gonzalez, and Angela Wu.
Congratulations to all awardees, and thank you for the ways that you positively contribute to University life, making it brighter for everyone!
| | (from left: Madison, Rosanna, Dr. Hebenstreit, Cole, and SBU mascot Wolfie) | | | | |
Iris Cohen Fineberg, PhD, MSW, OSW-C, FNAP, FAOSW, associate professor, presented earlier this month at the 2026 Annual Forum of the Social Work Hospice and Palliative Care Network (SWHPN), an organization whose mission is “to enhance hospice and palliative care social work through mentorship, education, community building, and advocacy as change agents committed to equity and anti-racism”.
Dr. Cohen-Fineberg’s oral presentation was "Helping palliative care research happen: Navigating gatekeeping and advancing access." Additionally, she is one of the co-authors of an article by Ting et al. (2026), "Family meetings in palliative care: A systematic review," published in the journal Patient Education and Counseling.
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The Disability Economic Policy Research Consortium Presents:
The Disability Squeeze Symposium featuring Associate Professor
Zachary A. Morris, PhD, MPhil, MSW
The Disability Economic Policy Research Consortium is kicking off a public virtual event series that centers disabled people in conversations about affordability and economic policymaking. This series will elevate research, lived experience, and policy solutions that ensure conversations about affordability and the economy include and are shaped by the voices of disabled people.
Please join this virtual conversation on Thursday, May 21, at 12 pm to examine the drivers of the disability squeeze – and consider what it would take to build an economy that truly works for disabled people.
REGISTER HERE
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Summer Licensing Exam Prep Workshops
Workshops will be held virtually.
REGISTER HERE
Register for one or both sessions! The same material will be covered in both.
The cost is $40 per session.
Session I: June 2026
Tues./Thurs., 5:30 to 7:30 pm
June 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25
Session 2: July 2026
Tues./Thurs., 5:30 to 7:30 pm
July 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, 30
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Class of 2026:
Before You Go!
We Want to Stay in Touch With You!
After you graduate, we'd love to keep you connected with the SSW and your fellow alums. Staying connected opens doors to valuable mentorship, networking, and career opportunities. By staying involved, you continue to build meaningful relationships and contribute to the growth of the SSW community.
CLICK HERE TO PROVIDE YOUR NON-SBU EMAIL ADDRESS!
Your Stony Brook email will no longer be active 90 days after graduation. Ensure you stay connected and receive important updates by providing us with your personal email address. We look forward to keeping you informed and engaged with the SSW even after graduation!
Contact Jennifer.D.Davidson@stonybrook.edu if you have any questions!
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Graduation Day Photos! Important to do before your Graduation Day!
Every graduate will be photographed several times as you cross the stage and return to your seat.
To receive your free commencement day proofs quickly and accurately, please complete your Selfie Check-In before the ceremony date!
It's fast and easy! You can also include family and friends to receive your proofs.
No obligation to purchase, and packages start at $7.95!
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IMPORTANT:
GRADUATES NEED TO ARRIVE AT THE
Stony Brook Arena Sports Complex at 4 PM. Ceremony begins at 5 PM.
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Fellowship Opportunity for Students and Alumni
Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental Disabilities (LEND) Fellowship
Applications are NOW OPEN for the 2026-2027 cohort!
The LEND Center is funded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration and provides interdisciplinary training designed to improve the lives and care of individuals with autism spectrum disorder and neurodevelopmental disabilities (ASD/ND). This is accomplished by preparing trainees (including clinicians, residents, fellows, professionals, undergraduate and graduate students, families, and self-advocates) from a range of disciplines to be leaders in their fields. Learn more here and register for an information session.
DEADLINE: May 31
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The Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, in partnership with United Way Long Island, is proud to announce that applications are now open for the 2026 Helen Martin & Trade Winds Scholarships for Achievement. These scholarships support students who have experienced homelessness on Long Island and are pursuing higher education through college, trade school, or vocational training. At least two $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to eligible students from Nassau and Suffolk Counties who are entering or currently enrolled in an accredited undergraduate or licensed vocational program.
Important Information
- Application deadline: Friday, June 19, 12 pm.
- Applicants must have lived experience with homelessness.
- Scholarship recipients will be notified by July 31, 2026.
DOWNLOAD THE APPLICATION HERE
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"Social workers are helpers, healers, and agents of change."
-SocialWork.Career
| | 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! | | | | |
