School of Social Work, College of Human Ecology honored by Salvation Army of Syracuse for 50 years of community service

Michelle J. Barrett
(315) 443-6172

In an annual celebration that honors local leaders and organizations for leadership and community service, the College of Human Ecology’s School of Social Work was honored with the Community Team Spirit Award at the Salvation Army of Syracuse’s 2008 Civic Celebration. Nearly 1,000 individuals from government, business, education and the community attended the Oct. 6 event at the Nicholas J. Pirro Convention Center at Oncenter. The award was accepted by Diane Lyden Murphy, dean of the College of Human Ecology, and Carrie J. Smith, director of the School of Social Work.

“When the School of Social Work celebrated its 50th anniversary last fall, the Salvation Army of Syracuse was already ingrained in our community as an essential resource for just about 75 years. Consequently, we have shared a long, productive and rewarding association with one of the most valuable resources in our community,” says Murphy. “To the Salvation Army, we thank you for recognizing the Syracuse University School of Social Work for the role we play. The partnership we have with you is an honor, and we look forward to our future together.”

Of the award given to the School of Social Work, the Salvation Army notes it is “proud to partner with the College of Human Ecology and its outstanding faculty and students. Each and every year, highly skilled human service professionals graduate from Syracuse University ready to impact the world in unlimited ways. We are pleased to honor the School of Social Work upon the occasion of its 50th anniversary for excellence in education and contributions to the betterment of this community.”

“Over these past 50 years, our students—along with faculty and staff in the School of Social Work—have worked closely with the Salvation Army and generations of neighbors in the Syracuse area, experiencing social work in an engaging and thoughtful way,” says Smith. “All who have been touched by the SU-Salvation Army partnership, from our students to the communities they’ve served and the faculty members who have led the way, are better because of their experiences. It is truly an honor to receive this award.”

The Salvation Army’s Annual Civic Celebration is one of Syracuse’s most enduring community events, honoring selected community members for their civic and charitable efforts, updating supporters on the organization’s work, and featuring a nationally known speaker.

Lt. Col. Kenneth Hodder, who serves as the chief secretary of The Salvation Army in the East Kenya Territory, was the event’s keynote speaker in recognition of Central New York’s commitment to the mission of The Salvation Army. A Community Team Spirit Award was also presented to Time Warner Cable CNY Division President Mary Cotter for her leadership in philanthropy.

About the College of Human Ecology at Syracuse University

The College of Human Ecology is dedicated to excellence in professional academic education and integrates Scholarship in Action as a philosophy and method in all of its degree programs. The college brings together a rich history of academic programs whose signatures of social responsibility and justice join new and evolving majors reflective of educating global citizens whose leadership can—and does—change the places and peoples where they live and work.

Previously known as the College of Human Services and Health Professions until it was renamed in 2007, the College of Human Ecology hosts seven departments with strong roots in SU history: Child and Family Studies; Health and Wellness; Hospitality Management; Marriage and Family Therapy; Nutrition Science and Dietetics; Sport Management; and the School of Social Work.