/ Alumni Desk /
DAWN M. FAUCHER Alumni Relations & Development Director
In Solidarity
Finding community in new and inspiring ways
As we navigate this unsettling crisis, know that all of us at SSW are here for you.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has been felt across the globe and life as we know it has changed dramatically. The School responded swiftly and has undertaken drastic measures to protect our students, staff and faculty during this uncertain time. Most notably, Dean Yoshioka announced the decision to move all SSW graduate courses to alternate modes of instruction for summer 2020. This change is not ideal. A large part of what makes Smith College School for Social Work special is the structure of our program; our alums and students cherish their on-campus community formed in the summer months, as well as their field community formed with alumni, field faculty and supervisors. Even in this most challenging time, I continue to be inspired. From the tireless work being done by our dean, faculty and administrators, to you all—
S M I T H COL L E G E SCHO O L FO R SO CIAL WO RK
our incredible alums. Your tremendous outpouring of support to the School and to each other, whether through sharing tips for transitioning to telehealth or offering peer support groups, is heart ening and demonstrates that no matter the distance, our Smith SSW remains as strong as ever. I could not be more proud to belong to such an amazing community! I know that new hardships and questions will arise in the weeks and months ahead but I am certain that we will address them as a community and find innovative ways to support one another. As we navigate this unsettling crisis, know that all of us at SSW are here for you. And finally, if you are in a position to do so, please consider supporting our students by making a financial contribution online to the School for Social Work Student COVID-19 Emergency Fund. ◆
