BCU celebrates 50th anniversary of social work accreditation

Briar Cliff University's  annual Sister Muriel Ford Lectureship was held on March 28 in the St. Francis Center, and brought together faculty, staff, students, community members and social work alumni in celebration of 50 years of accreditation of the University’s Social Work Program. 

The guest speaker was Barb Newhouse, a member of Briar Cliff Class of 1980 who earned a Bachelor of Social Work. She has an extensive career in leadership roles with organizations such as the American Cancer Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Autism Society, Arthritis Foundation, Children’s Heart Foundation, the United Way and most notably, the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. 

Her lecture, “Embracing the Change Agent Within,” explored the role of social workers and community advocates in driving meaningful change. Highlighting important people in her journey and career, Newhouse illustrated how the intersections of differing experiences influence who you decide to be. 
 
“You need to learn what your impact is,” Newhouse said. “You’ve got to be able to understand impact. Impact makes the difference in whether change becomes positive or negative through how you are able to deliver that message.” 
 
After the lectureship, a reception was held in the Heelan Hall Atrium celebrated BCU social work alumni and the Social Work Program. The reception featured remarks from President Dr. Matthew Draud and Provost/Vice President of Academic Affairs and Student Affairs Mark Rossi, congratulating alumni and the program while highlighting the program’s accomplishments over the past 50 years. 
 “Beyond education, the program has played a key role in organizing impactful events,” Rossi said. “Such as the annual educational conference tied to the Memorial March to Honor Lost Children and the first-ever Round Dance for Healthy Living.” 

The event not only honored the legacy of Briar Cliff’s Social Work Program but also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to preparing future generations of compassionate and driven social workers. As BCU looks ahead, it remains dedicated to fostering academic excellence and empowering students to be agents of change in their communities.