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Noor Paracha Hayat Found Home at Loyola
Noor Paracha Hayat gave the student address at the School of Social Work's commencement ceremony in May 2026, reflecting on her journey that led her to Loyola.
Ren Horst Awarded 2026 President's Medallion
As this year’s recipient of the President’s Medallion, Ren is recognized not only for her academic excellence, but for the lived experience, cultural grounding, and unwavering purpose that inform her work in social services.
Loyola professor spotlights mental health on campus
As demand rises for mental health resources on college campuses, Loyola serves students with evidence-based resources. School of Social Work Professor Jonathan Singer, Ph.D. is leading the way.
Introducing Three New Faculty Members
We are pleased to welcome three outstanding scholars and educators as new full-time faculty members: Shannon Dunn, Ph.D., Amzie Moore II, Ph.D., and LaTasha Smith, Ph.D. Each brings a deep commitment to social work education, innovative research agendas, and a passion for teaching and mentorship that aligns with Loyola’s mission and values.
SSWR Conference 2026 Presentations
More than 40 presentations from School of Social Work faculty, students, and alumni were accepted for presentation at the Society for Social Work and Research Conference 2026. Find out when and where you can see them.
Building Bridges Through Bilingual Social Work
Loyola University Chicago’s Online Bilingual Master of Social Work (MSW) program is preparing a new generation of compassionate, culturally responsive social workers capable of navigating systemic barriers and providing critical care in both English and Spanish.
Dr. Abha Rai Named Top 2% Scientist
Assistant Professor Abha Rai, Ph.D., MSW was recently named to the prestigious Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% Scientist List for 2025, a global ranking that honors the world's most influential researchers.
CADC Grant Renewed
The School of Social Work is excited to announce a $452,000 grant for the Certificate in Alcohol and Other Drug Counseling (CADC) Workforce Expansion Program. The grant was renewed for the third year by the Illinois Certification Board and the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and recovery.
Serving Those Who Served: A Day in the Life of a VA Social Worker
Join us November 5 for our panel discussion collaboration with Military Veteran Student Services and the Jesse Brown Veterans Association.
Loyola University Chicago’s School of Social Work celebrated the grand opening of its new Behavioral Health Simulation Lab on Friday, October 17, marking a major milestone in the University’s commitment to advancing behavioral health education and training.
Maribel Lopez, Ed.D. Recognized with President's Volunteer Service Award
Professor Maribel Lopez was recognized with the prestigious award in May for her impressive volunteer work
Goutham M. Menon, PhD, Appointed Dean of the School of Social Work
Goutham M. Menon, PhD, has been appointed as the dean of the School of Social Work. He will join Loyola on July 1 from the University of Nevada-Reno, where he serves as director of the School of Social Work.
Awards
Benjamin Marton: Empowering youth to be advocates for change
Marton, who is one of this year's President's Medallion recipients, is studying for his master’s degree in social work, serves as a graduate and research assistant for two professors, is the president of the School of Social Work Student Organization, and works several days a week as an intern at Loyola Community and Family Services.
Active alumni presented with Damen Award
Licensed social worker Daniel Kill is a long-time advocate for mental health
"Social work education is the future of all academic teaching, even if most academicians don’t know it yet. It mixes training in social theory with mandatory hours of work in the field, putting those theories decidedly into practice -- something that most students clamor for."
SSW Alum and Adjunct Faculty Member Honored as Emerging Leader of the Year
In celebration of Social Work Month, Loyola SSW's very own Sarah Buino has been honored as the Emerging Leader of Year by the National Association of Social Workers (NASW)-Illinois Chapter for her exceptional work as a clinician and leadership in promoting social justice and social change.
Loyola Faculty, Staff, Students and Alumni Present at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Meeting
Join us during the SSWR 23rd Annual Conference in San Francisco, CA from January 16 - 20, 2019. Attend to our faculty, students and alumni talks. We have included a copy of the presentations. On January 18, our school will be hosting a reception and we hope to see you there.
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Announcing the Spring 2025 Group Work Continuing Education Series
The Loyola University Chicago School of Social Work is proud to announce the Group work is a vital skill for social workers, educators, administrators, and professionals throughout the world. With presentations by national and international experts, this series aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of anyone who works with groups.
“Many skilled professionals lack adequate training in group work," said Program Director Shirley Simon. "While group work remains a vibrant method within the practice arena, schools of social work have all too often decreased their attention to this important methodology. This series attempts to begin to address this need.”
Simon's Group Work Series received a formal endorsement from the International Association of Social Work with Groups (IASWG) after its board voted unanimously in the series' favor.
Simon has been working with groups for more than 40 years and has developed the Group Work Continuing Education Series, now in its fourth year. Working with leaders in the field, she has created a successful and highly regarded bi-annual, primarily online series to enhance practitioners' and students’ group work knowledge and expertise. This Spring the sessions include:
February 28, 1-4 p.m. - Healing Connections: Group Work in the Face of Grief and Uncertainty in Health (3 CEUs)
Presented by Jen Currin McCullough, Ph.D., LMSW
March 14, 1-4 p.m. - Creating, Building, Promoting, and Leading Successful Groups in Private Practice (3 CEUs)
Presented by Kendra Vargas, LCPC, PMH-C
March 21, 1-4 p.m. - Working with LGBTQIA+ Individuals: Practical and Effective Group Work Strategies (3 CEUs)
Presented by Mauricio Cifuentes, Ph.D., LCSW, JD
March 28, 12-4 p.m. - Facilitating Groups Through a Trauma-Informed Lens (4 CEUs)
Presented by Carolyn Knight, Ph.D., MSW
April 4, 1-4 p.m. - Group Work Strategies for Meaningful Conversations About Race and Ethnicity (3 CEUs)
Presented by Binita Donohue, MSW, LCSW
April 11, 1-4 p.m. - Adventure-Based Group Work (3 CEUs)
Presented by Christian Itin, Ph.D.
April 25, 12-4 p.m. - Working with Conflict and Challenging Dynamics in Groups (4 CEUs)
Presented by Ann Bergart, Ph.D., LCSW
All sessions are held online via Zoom. All of the seven sessions this spring are hosted by local and international experts in the area of group work.
This series offers:
- Cutting-Edge Curriculum – Developed with international experts, our curriculum is designed to address the latest trends, challenges, and best practices in group work.
- Practical Skill-Building – Participants will engage in hands-on activities, case studies, and interactive sessions to enhance their practical skills in group facilitation, conflict resolution, and group dynamics.
- Expert-Led Workshops – Renowned professionals with content and teaching expertise lead specially developed workshops providing insight and real-world experiences to enrich participants’ understanding of group process.
- Flexible Learning Options – Most sessions in the series are offered in a virtual online format with a few highly specific in-person sessions allowing participants access to high-quality education from wherever they are.
- Continuing Education Credits – Participants will have the opportunity to earn up to 23 CEUs, contributing to their professional development and ensuring they stay current with industry requirements.
Loyola-affiliated individuals receive a discount on registration. Students are eligible for a highly discounted registration fee. There is also a 20% discount for anyone who registers for three or more sessions and scholarships may be available upon inquiry. Questions and requests for additional information can be directed to cgosselin@luc.edu.