University News

In attendance at the proclamation signing were WIU President Jack Thomas; Macomb Mayor Mike Inman; Lorette Oden, interim chair of the WIU Department of Health Sciences and Social Work; Debra Allwardt, associate professor of social work; Judy Berglund, assistant professor of social work, Dale Adkins, associate dean for academic affairs; Katrina Daytner, interim associate dean for administration; and social work student representatives Lauren Settles and Brianna Steel.
[Download Print-Quality Image]

WIU Proclaims March National Social Work Month

February 26, 2015

Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL –- Western Illinois University President Jack Thomas and Macomb Mayor Mike Inman declared March National Social Work Month in Macomb at a signing event at City Hall, Feb 19.

According to Lorette Oden, interim chair of health sciences and social work, the event was held to help recognize WIU social work students and alumni along with their commitment to helping individuals and families in the Macomb community.

"Western students majoring in social work spend countless hours volunteering in the Macomb community," added Oden. "Upon graduation, our students are ready to join the ranks of professional social workers in Illinois and across the country."

The signing was initiated by Lauren Settles, a student social work representative.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, social work is one of the fastest growing careers in the United States. The profession is expected to grow by 25 percent between 2010-2020.

There are currently about 220 students enrolled in WIU's bachelor of social work program.

During Social Work Month, the social work program will sponsor the Social Work Connections Series presentation, "Ethics in Social Justice: Challenges and Opportunities." Debra Allwardt, associate professor of social work and Judy Berglund, assistant professor of social work will be guest speakers of the presentation with panel discussions to follow. The event will be held from 1:30-4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31 in the WIU Multicultural Center. Three ethics CEU's will be available for LSW, LCSW, LPC and LCPC.

Additionally, the McDonough County Interagency Council (IAC) will celebrate its 40th anniversary at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, March 25 at the McDonough County Health Department. Former and current agency representatives will speak about the past, present and future of IAC.

For more information about Western's Health Sciences and Social Work Department, visit wiu.edu/coehs/health_sciences/.

Posted By: Mary Friday (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing