Dear Silberman Community,
As the end of 2020 draws near, I want to take a moment to give thanks for all that you have done to forge ahead so bravely through the extraordinary challenges of this year. It has not been an easy road to follow, as you endured unprecedented obstacles in your personal, social, academic, and professional lives. Feelings of pain, fear, and loss were far too common an experience for so many throughout our Silberman community.
Our shared humanity has been made clear to us by the perils of these times. We must remain committed to Social Work’s core values: challenging social injustices, respecting the dignity of each individual, and valuing the importance of human relationships. These values are critical to both confronting and changing extant social policies and practices that entrap individuals and communities in a cycle of dehumanization and victimization. Yet, despite these tumultuous and painful times, together all of us—faculty, staff, students, and community partners—have persevered in our mission of educating and training the next generation of social workers, and this is a testament to hope for renewal and new beginnings. As we rise to face the New Year together, I wish you good health, safety, warmth—and peace.
Kind wishes for the New Year,
Mary M. Cavanaugh
Dean