For the past twelve years, members of the School of Social Work’s Alumni Council have served as ambassadors that interface between the School, the thousands of alumni who earned a social work degree from Rutgers, and the broader social work community. The Alumni Council, which is comprised of alumni who serve in a volunteer capacity, supports future generations of social workers, enhances the professional portfolios of alumni, and keeps graduates connected with their classmates. Council members work collaboratively and actively engage with fellow alumni to promote the School’s reputation and standard of excellence among internal and external stakeholders. The Council also provides recommendations based on trends in the field to School leadership.
We invite you to learn about the newest members of our Alumni Council, now in its 13th year, and the work they’re accomplishing.
Shelby Somers, SSW’21
Why did you decide to join the Rutgers SSW Alumni Council?
I decided to join the Alumni Council because I am passionate about connecting with the community. As a graduate of the fully online program, connections to the larger Rutgers community were often harder to find since I was not physically in classes or on campus. I was inspired to join the Alumni Council to help develop programming and opportunities that helped bridge the gap between the online and in-person programs. My hope is to encourage other alumni like myself to reinvest in their school so that we can continue to foster relationships with the next generation of social workers and stay involved in the continued growth of the School of Social Work.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the council?
As mentioned above, I aim to tap into the online community of alumni who historically have not always known how to connect with Rutgers after graduation. I want to continue to have programs and events that bring alumni together in various ways. Whether it is returning to the campus they love, visiting for the first time, or connecting virtually so that alumni not physically located nearby can engage and be involved, I hope to create more avenues for alumni to participate in the community that has been created actively.
As a leader in the field of social work, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?
I would encourage individuals just starting out to connect with others in the field and explore all that social work has to offer. When I was first starting, I thought there was one set way for things to be done or one idea of what my future could look like. As time went on and I had the opportunity to speak with other social workers, my eyes were opened to the many ways people find themselves in the field of social work. I would encourage anyone starting out to remain curious and be willing to ask questions, if given the chance, to others who are in the field so they can learn the things that are not easily conveyed in the classroom.
Susan Van Vleet, SSW’75
Why did you decide to join the Rutgers SSW Alumni Council?
Because it was time for me to give back, and I want social workers to know how broad our skill base is and how applicable it is everywhere. I also want us to receive a professional-level wage. Many people don’t even know we exist, and we are paid far less than other professionals with far less of a skill base than we have. I learned this when I moved from child welfare work to working with folks in multinational companies. It was a surprise to me that my social work skills were as applicable in the C-suite as they were in child welfare.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the council?
Move the needle so we social workers are recognized for the amazing work we do AND make sure we get credit for the work and recognition for it in the form of compensation. We are so skilled and are very successful, so we should be paid at that level and respected at that level.
As a leader in the field of social work, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?
The skills you bring to people are invaluable, so believe in those skills. Make sure you value the work you are doing because it is so important to people worldwide. If you value it, others will, too. Be ready to use your skills with varied groups of people even if you don’t agree with them. Your skills can win them over, and you will see amazing results for them and for their families.
Sheribel Aguilar, SSW’13, SSW’20
Why did you decide to join the Rutgers School of Social Work Alumni Council?
I decided to join the Alumni Council because I am deeply committed to supporting and fostering stronger connections between alumni, current students, and the University. As a Rutgers School of Social Work graduate, I know firsthand how impactful the program can be, and I want to give back by contributing to student success, professional development, and alumni engagement. I also recognize the importance of creating a strong, inclusive network where social workers can share resources and mentorship that propel us in our field.
What do you hope to accomplish during your term on the council?
During my term on the council, I hope to strengthen alumni engagement with current students. I want to ensure that both current students and recent graduates have access to resources that will help them transition into the field of social work. Additionally, I am passionate about supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within our alumni community to ensure all voices are heard.
As a leader in the field of social work, what advice would you give to someone just starting out in their career?
To someone just starting out in social work, I would say embrace the learning process and seek support. Social work can be both rewarding and challenging, and it’s important to find a strong support system, such as mentors, supervisors, or peer networks. Never hesitate to ask questions, advocate for yourself, and continuously seek opportunities for professional growth. Also, be open to different paths within the field because social work is diverse, and your career may evolve in unexpected and meaningful ways. Don’t forget to prioritize self-care; social workers give, and sustaining this work requires taking care of ourselves as well.
