Members of the MSSW class of ‘80 gathered in Austin this past November, when they joined the School of Social Work for the presentation of “Wild & Precious,” a one-man show written and performed by class member Steve Cadwell.
“At this time in my life, I could return to the supportive, engaged cohort who helped me find more of my voice during an earlier transitional time in my life!,” Cadwell said. “My favorite part, now and back then, was schmoozing and our warm regard face to face.”
Beth Malitz was delighted to spend time with even a small part of group of people she went to graduate school with.
“I was influenced and learned so much from them during those two years. Our class was an eclectic group of dedicated people who wanted to make this world a better place,” Malitz said. She also reflected on the changes in graduate education since then.
“I was fortunate enough to go to school at a time when access to higher learning was easier than it is today. I had a stipend from the State of Texas, a very inexpensive place to live at Deep Eddy Apartments, and I was able to borrow money with a no-interest load that I paid back over ten years. I was as single parent with two children, and I left graduate school owing only $5,000!,” Malitz explained. “Without even one part of the help I received, I would not have been able to accomplish my dream of having my master’s degree and the career I love.”
For Alan Silverman, the events were a chance to reconnect with his classmates and the School of Social Work.
“It was wonderful to see how the school has evolved over time—grown in both what it offers and the number of students,” Silverman said. “And it was equally wonderful to see the paths my fellow MSSWs have taken, and how much they have contributed through social work!”
As a result of this gathering, the group decided to rekindle their financial support to the 1980 MSSW Class Student Emergency Support Fund, originally created in 2000 in memory of classmates Dennis Mulligan, Amelia Resendez and Ken Stringer.
If you are interested in supporting this effort, contact the Development Office at swgiving@utlists.utexas.edu or call 512-232-8376