Kathy Ehrich Dowd

In 2000, when Kathy Ehrich Dowd graduated with a degree in journalism, she had her sights set on becoming the next Barbara Walters. For nearly two decades, she thrived as a reporter and editor, including an impressive 17-year run contributing to People magazine followed by a three-year stint at Time magazine. But what began as a passion for telling people’s stories, such as the families and victims of 9/11 and the Newtown school shooting, eventually led to burnout. Then came the pandemic, and with it, a turning point.

Conference attendees

The 2025 International Conference on Integrated Health and Social Work, held at National Taiwan University (NTU), brought together over 20 scholars from 12 universities across South Korea, Vietnam, Macau, the United States, and Taiwan. The two-day event served as a dynamic platform for advancing interdisciplinary research and collaboration in the field of integrated health and social work.

Smiling group

Lauren Snedeker is an Assistant Professor of Teaching & Director of the Certificate on Aging & Health at Rutgers School of Social Work. We had the chance to speak with her about Older Americans Month and how social workers can support older individuals this month and well beyond.

stock_russw-graduation-family

On Monday, May 19, Rutgers School of Social Work recognized BASW, MSW, DSW, and Ph.D. graduates at its 2025 Convocation ceremony. Hundreds gathered at Jersey Mike’s Arena in New Brunswick to support the 829 graduates who earned a degree from the School of Social Work this year, including 685 MSW grads, 121 BASW grads, 12 DSW grads, and 11 Ph.D. grads.

Magazine spines

In this edition, you will meet our newest faculty members and Alumni Council members and learn about the journeys that led them to service to the School. You’ll also get a glimpse inside our practicum learning program and the power it has to impact the social work profession.