Ann Hwang. Courtesy photo.
Ann Hwang, , will deliver the keynote address at the diploma ceremony for the Boston College School of Social Work on May 18.
The ceremony will take place at noon on the Lower Campus Lawn, rain or shine.聽
Hwang says her talk will focus on three ways that graduates can sustain themselves in a field defined by pressing social issues: tackling inequities; embracing lifelong learning; and making space for joy.
鈥淎ll the graduates have the ability to make the world a better place,鈥� says Hwang, whose foundation aims to close the gap in life expectancy in Eastern Massachusetts by addressing the causes of poor health in collaboration with community partners. 鈥淭hink about how many lives they will touch over the course of their careers, whether by working with families, making organizations stronger, or through policy change.鈥�
As a primary care physician, public policy expert, and advocate focused on improving health for people with complex needs, Hwang draws parallels between her work and social work. She describes a similar focus on direct service to individuals and systemic change, an approach that mirrors the full scope of social work practice.
The overlap between Hwang鈥檚 work and social work has led to a partnership between UU直播SSW and the Atrius Health Equity Foundation to improve youth mental health and family wellness in Lawrence, Massachusetts.聽
“ All the graduates have the ability to make the world a better place. Think about how many lives they will touch over the course of their careers, whether by working with families, making organizations stronger, or through policy change. ”
As part of a five-year, $5 million initiative funded by the Atrius Health Equity Foundation, the project brings together nine local community-based organizations to develop programs that center the voices and needs of young people.
UU直播SSW students, faculty, and staff support the effort by guiding data collection and evaluating programs to ensure that community-driven strategies are both impactful and sustainable over time.
The partnership reflects the values Hwang wants to emphasize in her keynote address: empathy, curiosity, and purpose.
鈥淚 hope graduates will have a moment to connect with their inherent goodness and sense of justice,鈥� she says. 鈥淎nd I hope they鈥檒l take away a couple practical things from my talk that they鈥檒l be able to recall as they return to caring for our very complicated world.鈥�
In addition to Hwang, several members of the UU直播SSW community will play prominent roles in the diploma ceremony.聽
Makesha Mercedat, MSW鈥�26, will deliver the invocation and Kimberly Nicole Palmer, MSW鈥�26, will give the student address. Ana Tueme Lezama, MSW鈥�26, and Christopher Baidoo, PhD鈥�26, will serve as degree representatives. Carolyn Romano, assistant professor of practice, and Indrani Saran, associate professor of practice, will act as faculty marshals. After graduates receive their diplomas, Professor Alejandro Olayo-M茅ndez will offer a benediction.聽
Seating for guests on the Lower Campus Lawn is first come, first served. People who are unable to attend the event can livestream the ceremony on the University鈥檚 Commencement page.
