The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences celebrated the graduation of its Master of Social Work (MSW), Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO), and PhD in Social Welfare students on Friday, May 16, 2025.
The Mandel School's diploma ceremony took place at the Maltz Performing Arts Center's Silver Hall at 10 a.m. and the School of Graduate Studies' diploma ceremony (which administers our PhD in Social Welfare degrees) took place at the Veale Convocation, Recreation and Athletic Center at 2 p.m. A reception was held for all of our graduates in Noble Commons from 12 to 2 p.m.
Alumnus Scott D. Ryan gave the diploma ceremony address. Ryan has an extensive academic and clinical background and has dedicated his career to child welfare, clinical social work and social justice.
The university hosted its annual clap out, convocation and Spartan send-off barbecue on Wednesday, May 14, at 3 p.m. Susie Gharib, an award-winning journalist, anchor and senior special correspondent for Fortune, and one of the most respected voices in business news, delivered the keynote address.
All of the ceremonies were live-streamed and recorded for off-campus-viewing this year.
View photos from the Mandel School's diploma ceremony
See how CWRU celebrated Commencement 2024
Mandel School Student & Faculty Awards
Nominations are held every spring to recognize outstanding Mandel School faculty members and graduating students for their exceptional achievements in the classroom and community. Student and faculty commencement awards are presented during the Mandel School's diploma ceremony in May each year. Congratulations to all of our award winners!
Mandel School Diploma Ceremony Student Speaker
Cierra Carter
Students nominate one of their classmates to speak as a representative of the current class at the Mandel School's diploma ceremony.
Irene Sogg Gross Award
Ayowole Samuel Ajiboye
The Irene Sogg Gross Award was established by Milton Gross to honor the memory of his wife, Irene Sogg, a 1940 Mandel School graduate. The award is presented to a member of the graduating class, chosen by their peers, in recognition of outstanding interest and accomplishments in the areas of humanitarian service.
Dean's Award for Outstanding Student Achievement
McKenna Uzelac
The Mandel School Dean's Award for Outstanding Student Achievement is presented to a graduate whom faculty feel exhibits academic achievement, exceptional service to the school, and exemplary performance in field education.
Outstanding Field Instructor Award
Dave Martin
The Outstanding Field Instructor Award recognizes one individual for their incredible work, as well as their commitment to students and to the future of the social work profession. These individuals work to help students apply classroom theory to the realities of today's service delivery challenges, develop their professional skills, and grow their identities as professional social workers.
Outstanding Practicum Organization Award
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
The Outstanding Practicum Organization Award recognizes one organization that has invested in the growth and development of Mandel School social work students and recognizes the importance of helping students integrate the classroom and practicum learning. Organizations nominated for this award provide a variety of progressively-advancing learning opportunities to continuously support student learning and professional development.
John A. Yankey Outstanding Teacher Awards
Full-Time: Mark Chupp
Part-Time (Adjunct): Catherine Bous
MNO: Jocelyn Rosnick
The Outstanding Teacher Awards honor Professor Emeritus John A. Yankey, who was nominated a record number of times as "Outstanding Teacher" in both the MSSA/MSW and MNO degree programs for his ability to enlighten, motivate and inspire students. Each award is a testimony to the tremendous talent and commitment of our faculty members.
Dean’s Discretionary Awards
The Dean's Discretionary Awards are not issued every year—only when there is a clear individual who shines and fully embodies the criteria of each of the respective awards.
Distinguished Service Award
Grover C. Gilmore
Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Dean Emeritus in Applied Social Sciences
The Distinguished Service Award is presented to a social worker for outstanding contributions to the social work profession, the community and the Mandel School.
Herman D. Stein Distinguished Social Work Educator Award
Flavio F. Marsiglia (GRS '91, social welfare)
Not present at diploma ceremony
The Herman D. Stein Distinguished Social Work Educator Award is an exceptional award given only when a body of work is deemed significant and a recognized contribution to social work education and the profession, as evidenced by scholarly pursuits, leadership and academic excellence. The award honors Herman D. Stein, dean emeritus of the Mandel School, for his life’s work, extraordinary body of knowledge, and commitment to social welfare both in the U.S. and abroad—he was a social work luminary whose work changed the face of international social welfare.
School of Graduate Studies Awards
Each spring, faculty and staff are encouraged to nominate students from their department for awards offered through the School of Graduate Studies.
The Graduate Studies awards are presented at the annual School of Graduate Studies Awards Ceremony each May. This year's ceremony was held Wednesday, April 30.
John S. Diekhoff Awards for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Nominees
David Hussey, Mark Joseph, Jessica Wojtalik
Established in 1978 in honor of John Diekhoff, the John S. Diekhoff Awards for Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring are presented each year to four faculty members who make exemplary contributions to the education and development of graduate students at Case Western Reserve University. Diekhoff served as professor of English, chair of the Department of English, dean of Cleveland College, acting dean of the School of Graduate Studies and vice provost of the university.
Marie Haug Award
Katherine Lemanski
The Marie Haug Award is presented annually to a graduate student(s) who has shown exemplary performance in their gerontological studies. The award was established in 1990 to honor Dr. Haug’s pioneering work in aging at Case Western Reserve University, who co-founded the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing's University Center on Aging and Health in 1978.
Lemanski has not only excelled in her coursework, but has also done some fantastic work in her field education placements related to end-of-life care for older adults.
2025 PhD Graduates
- James Andrews
- Sarah Balser
- Braveheart Gillani
- Jeesoo Jeon
- Liat Johnson
- Amy Korsch-Williams
- Sun Kyung Kim
- Megan Ray-Novak
- Ashley Withrow
Other Awards
Unity Banquet Scholarship Awards
Black Faculty and Staff Resource Group Scholarship
Deyhana Greene
The annual Unity Banquet and Scholarship Dinner celebrates the academic achievements of underrepresented and diverse graduate and undergraduate students at Case Western Reserve University, as well as graduating high school seniors, by awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships each spring. The evening also serves as an opportunity to recognize future students and CWRU community partners.
Francisca García-Cobián Richter, research associate professor, presented the Alianza Latina/Latino Alliance Scholarship award at the event, which took place on April 4 at Landerhaven this year.
Lavender Celebration Awards
Outstanding Graduate Student
McKenna Uzelac
Lavender Celebration first started at CWRU in 2010. This annual event is a partnership between the LGBT Center, the Pride Alumni Network and the Alumni Association aimed at recognizing the experiences and contributions of graduating LGBTQ+ students of the university and its affiliated schools.
The 2025 celebration took place on April 25 in the Linsalata Alumni Center.