The School of Social Work—housed in the University’s School of Education—has received a $1.8 million gift to further support student scholarships through the Genovese Social Work Scholars Program. The scholarships are named for Jennifer Genovese, G’83, G’13, Ph.D., associate teaching professor and graduate master of social work (M.S.W.) director, in recognition of her teaching, student support and service in the community.

The new gift, which is the largest scholarship investment ever made to the School of Social Work, provides $1 million for a permanent, endowed scholarship fund; $500,000 through a Syracuse Promise funding match that will expand the endowment’s reach; and a pledge of a further $300,000 in current-use funds to provide immediate support for incoming M.S.W. students. The donation builds on a pilot gift of $300,000 that currently supports 13 Genovese Scholars.

The gift helps the anonymous donors realize their vision of expanding access, reducing financial barriers and supporting the next generation of social workers; expanding the population of social workers during a national shortage; and supporting students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and dedication to community-centered practice.

“I thank the donors for their steadfast commitment to the School of Social Work and to the profession, and I applaud their deserved recognition of Professor Genovese,” says School of Education Dean Kelly Chandler-Olcott. “This gift will catalyze our efforts to recruit urgently needed social work professionals. It not only creates more access to the profession, it is also a tangible way of telling our students that we believe in you.”

Yvonne Smith, associate professor and director of social work, says the donation supports students who, in turn, “support the most vulnerable among us.”

“Genovese Scholarships represent hope and opportunity for talented students who are committed to community-centered practice,” she says. “Now, even more scholars will graduate prepared to address our most urgent societal needs, and they will do so with less debt and more freedom to choose meaningful public service careers.”

Genovese says the support for the scholarship program establishes the University as a national leader in social work education and workforce development.

“It reinforces our ability to prepare graduates who address mental health care, veterans’ services, elder care, substance abuse and other urgent societal needs,” she says. “I am deeply moved that this program bears my name, but what truly matters is what it makes possible for our students. I am so proud of our outstanding scholars, who are making a significant difference in our community.”

Ken Marfilius ’11, faculty director for online programs and strategic initiatives, School of Education; associate teaching professor, School of Social Work; and Genovese Scholars advisor, says the donation enables the School of Social Work to “recruit and prepare more students who are called to public service in places such as VA hospitals, high-needs schools and community health facilities.”

“In terms of widening access to professional degrees, promoting student excellence through experiential learning and amplifying community impact, the goals and vision of our donors align perfectly with those of the University,” he says.

The Genovese Scholars Program is open to all residential M.S.W. applicants pursuing either traditional or advanced standing tracks. Candidates should first apply for the master of social work program and then express interest in a Genovese Scholarship by contacting Adrienne Renfroe, coordinator of graduate admissions, recruitment and student services, at alrenfro@syr.edu or 315.443.1443.

Current Genovese Scholars and Community-centered Internships

• Rebecca Anderson
  Assisting clients from Syracuse-area hospitals and nursing homes access mental health, housing and other services. Recently, Anderson helped organize a Thanksgiving meal drive for homeless clients.
• Asher Baykitch ’25
  Interning at Helio Health, which provides treatment for mental health issues and substance abuse. Recently, he assisted with the 26th Annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.

• Kristen Boyd
  Serving the Syracuse’s Center for Community Alternatives, including performing intakes for clients in the Emerging Young Adults Domestic Violence Court.
• Maya Carter ’25
  Working at the Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical Center in the Health Care for Homeless Veterans program. Recently, she assisted with the 26th Annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.
• Caden Denslow ’25
  Assisting US Probation and Pretrial Services, identifying mitigating factors for persons who have committed a federal crime. Denslow is also a field supervisor for Syracuse University Ambulance, and recently he assisted with the 26th Annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.
• Lily Grenis
  Helping Syracuse Jewish Family Services provide programs for adults with dementia or developmental disabilities. Recently, she coordinated the annual campus Fall Food Drive for Huntington Family Centers.
• Alayna Higdon
  Interning at Vera House, where she assists with educational, clinical and other services for victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault.
• Amanda (“AK”) Keeler
  Assisting the College of Law’s Veterans Legal Clinic with services to at-risk and unhoused veterans, including VA benefit applications, discharge status upgrades and legal advocacy related to service-connected injuries. Recently, she coordinated the annual campus Fall Food Drive for Huntington Family Centers and assisted with the 26th Annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.
• Meg Kiesa
  Targeted Case Manager for Liberty Resources, which provides services to people with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. Kiesa also volunteers with Seventh Heaven Pet Recuse.
• Alexis Maag ’25
  Human Resources specialist at Helio Health, which provides treatment for mental health issues and substance abuse. Maag also volunteers with Sunshine Horses, a rescue facility for horses in need that works with youth and adult volunteer programs.
• Katie Pascale
  Interning with Peaceful Schools, which offers social-emotional learning in schools serving high-needs communities. Pascale is also leading weekly community restorative circles for young female athletes.
• Shakir Thomas
  Coaching youth basketball at Nottingham High School. Recently, Thomas assisted with the 26th Annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.
• Tyler Vitallo
  Currently, Vitallo is a bell ringer for the Salvation Army Christmas Drive, and recently he assisted with the 26th Annual James L. Stone Legislative Policy Day.