Celebrating 50 years

Empowering Change, Shaping Futures and Advancing Justice

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50 Years of Excellence

Join us as we celebrate 50 years of excellence in social work education at Eastern Washington University! Since 1974, EWU’s School of Social Work program has been dedicated to empowering students with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact in our communities.

For half a century, the Social Work Program at EWU has been a beacon of social justice, advocacy, and service. Our alumni have gone on to lead meaningful careers, championing causes that matter most. The year-long celebration will kick-off on Saturday, October 12th in Cheney. Additional opportunities to celebrate with the School include a celebration in Everett spring 2025 and monthly webinars. We have several opportunities if you or your organization would like to contribute to our event.

About the Oct. 12 Celebration

Join us for a special celebration! EWU School of Social Work is excited to be celebrating 50 years. Thank you to our staff, faculty, students, alumni and community for the support and making the program what it is today! We wouldn’t be here without you.

The event will begin with a social hour. Learn about the past, present, and future of the School of Social Work while you enjoy a drink and hor d’oeuvres. A program will begin around 4pm. The program will include a welcome and introductions, highlight student and faculty stories, and include a special guest speaker. The event will wrap up with a cake cutting and more time to socialize.

Time: 3-6 p.m.

Location: Walter and Myrtle Powers Reading Room in 201 Hargreaves Hall: 616 Study Ln., Cheney, WA 99004

Parking: Free parking in lots P15 & P17

RSVP! Campus Map

Keynote Speaker | Dr. Alicia Thompson ’00:

Dr. Thompson is an alumna of the MSW program and an Administrator Officer at the Spokane Regional Health District. Thompson has worked in the public health and nonprofit sectors for more than 25 years. Her career in public health began in Spokane, Wash., where she graduated from Lewis and Clark High School and, after time in the Air National Guard, graduated from Whitworth University with her Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude and from Eastern Washington University with a Master’s in the social work program.

Her leadership experience in public health includes deputy director of the Cowlitz County Health & Human Services department here in Washington, and health director and chief executive officer of the Cascade City-County Health Department in Great Falls, Mont.

Thompson then moved to Arizona where she received her Doctor of Public Health Policy and Management at the University of Arizona and gained additional experience as the dental department manager of El Rio, the health director for Cochise County, Ariz., and is currently the chief operations officer of Chiricahua Community Health Centers, Inc.

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Save the date for April 12, there will be an Everett celebration from 12-3 p.m.  Stay tuned for more information!

50th anniversary logo with flying eagle

Share a special memory with us!

We invite our students, alumni, community partners and campus partners to share their stories and reflections of the last 50 years of EWU’s School of Social Work. We will share these on our social media channels, at the anniversary events and on our website.

Share Your Memory

Support Social Work

Last year, $130,000 of scholarships were provided to students in the Social Work programs supporting over 50 students. Your contribution helps support students in their social work journey! If you are unable to attend and would like to support EWU Social Work, please consider donating to one of our scholarship funds.

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Sponsor

Thank you!

We are grateful for our amazing sponsors and supporters:

Martha Raske, PhD

Frontier Behavioral Health – Gold Sponsor

Inland Northwest Behavioral Health – Silver Sponsor

Webinars: Voices of Impact

Join us for monthly dialogue and presentations on community initiatives and research. Each webinar is from noon to 1:30 PM on designated Fridays. After you register in advance, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. Free continuing education units for social workers – an anniversary gift to our social work community.

  1. November 15, 2024: Domestic Violence in the Workplace. Presented by Taffy Hunter, MSHS, HS-BCP, Executive Director, Spokane Regional Domestic Violence Coalition Register Here.
  2. December 6, 2024: Disproportionality in Policing, Advancing Prison Reform, Promoting Drug Courts…Integrating Research and Social Justice. Presented by Dr. Ed Byrnes, Professor of Social Work. Register Here.
  3. January 17, 2025: Coping Mechanisms and Human Services Use Among People Experiencing Homelessness: Implications for Service Providers and Trauma-Informed Practice. Presented by Professor Timothy Hilton, PhD, MSW. Register Here.
  4. January 31, 2025: Tentative presentation by Erin Ross (Cowlitz), Senior Tribal Policy Manager, WA State Attorney General’s Office. TBD

Pop-up Merchandise

The pop-up shop will re-open in the winter! Check back soon for more details.