Past Events

4th Annual African American and Latino Social Work Symposium

On March 30th over 200 attendees supported the university’s 4th Annual African American and Latino Social Work Symposium which was co-sponsored by the Circuit Court of Cook County Juvenile Justice Division and Urban Imaging & Design. The symposium was also supported by community partners: Lyceum Books, Trinity Christian College, Habilitative Systems Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity. The keynote address was delivered by the dynamic Rev. Dr. Michael Louis Pfleger, pastor of Saint Sabina Church in Chicago.


A panel of experts from academia, social service and community agencies addressed the symposium’s theme, Creating Healthy & Sustainable Communities. The panel was moderated by NBC 5 Chicago News reporter, Alex Perez. During the afternoon session, students and agency representatives presented their research and special projects to an audience of social service representatives and school administrators. During the afternoon breakout session five fraternity members representing Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta discussed their community service efforts in a panel discussion entitled Black Fraternities: Promoting academic excellence, community service and leaders.


View Photos from the 4th Annual African American and Latino Social Work Symposium

GSSW Co-Sponsors Athlete’s Against Drugs Annual Celebrity Golf Challenge

Dominican’s GSSW served as a putting green sponsor for the Athlete’s Against Drugs (AAD) Celebrity Golf Challenge which was held on June 6, 2011 at the White Eagle Golf Club in Naperville, Illinois. The three day celebration kicked off with a reception and gala on June 4-5 and culminated with the Golf Challenge on June 6th. Felicia L. Townsend, assistant dean of recruitment, admissions and marketing/director of the Center for Professional Excellence participated for a second year in the golf outing along with notable celebrities Jarrett Payton, son of the late Walter Payton, former Chicago Bears running back and member of the NFL Hall of Fame and Kellita Smith from the Bernie Mac Show. AAD was founded by Stedman Graham, Chairman & CEO, of S. Graham & Associates 26 years ago and it prides itself on helping youth develop life skills for economic opportunities that will change their lives.

The Impact of Globalization on Community Resources and Social Services Seminar

hosted by NASWIL International Action Network and Dominican University Graduate School of Social Work

On July 22nd, Dominican University Graduate School of Social Work in conjunction with NASWIL International Action Network hosted a day-long seminar to focus on the global impact of cuts to social services. With governments around the globe withdrawing funding from social services in their communities, the importance and role of social workers becomes all the more evident. The seminar entitled, The Impact of Globalization on Community Resources and Social Services, was held to discuss these challenging issues and their impact in different global communities.

Also, the International Activities Network Shared Interest Group (IAN SIG) of the National Association of Social Workers Illinois Chapter (NASW IL) hosted an international exchange of social workers from Hamburg, Germany. During this exchange, participants spent two weeks studying both urban and rural social services in Illinois. A culmination of the group’s observations was held during the seminar. Keynote speaker Jan Poerksen, responsible for supporting and advising members of the German Senate on public welfare matters, spoke about his role as liaison to the State Authority for Work, Social, Family and Integration Services.

Annual Dean’s Reception

GSSW hosted its Annual Dean’s Reception at Parmer Hall Shaffer Silveri Atrium in late August. President, Dr. Donna Carroll gave the welcome address to alumni, faculty, students, friends and community partners. Dr. Mark Rodgers, GSSW dean, presented the 2011 GSSW Community Partner Award to Donald J. Dew, President and CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc. for his outstanding community service and active participation in the university’s Westside Community Collaboration.