Ten years ago, Robert Brady was at one of the lowest points in his life—homeless, struggling with substance use disorder, and battling untreated post-traumatic stress. Today, he stands tall as a clinical supervisor, a Rutgers School of Social Work graduate, and a beacon of hope for those navigating the same dark paths he once walked.

Michael Turner MSW'24 had about a decade of experience working at Volunteers of America Delaware Valley when he decided to pursue a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree at Rutgers University. As Turner progressed in his studies, he was promoted to program director, taking on a more administrative role that involved supervising clinical staff and operations, as well as gathering, analyzing, and reporting data. When the time came to fulfill the MSW’s practicum requirement, Turner identified a unique and valuable opportunity: he could complete his practicum at his own workplace. This arrangement resulted in an immersive, hands-on educational experience for Turner, while also providing significant value and actionable insights for his organization.

Rutgers University mourns the passing of Dr. Elfriede (Elfi) Galanter Schlesinger, former dean and longtime professor at Rutgers School of Social Work. Dr. Schlesinger passed away peacefully on June 6, 2025, at the age of 96.