[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 71 (Wednesday, May 12, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S3640-S3641]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       75TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE WAYNE STATE SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK

 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, it is with great honor that I 
recognize the 75th anniversary of the School of Social Work at Wayne 
State University. Since 1935, this fine institution has provided 
students in Michigan and across the Nation with the skills necessary to 
tackle some of the toughest challenges we face as a society. The theme 
of the anniversary celebration is ``Advancing Knowledge, Community 
Engagement,

[[Page S3641]]

and Social Justice,'' and it aptly characterizes the school's mission 
and legacy. The achievements of its many distinguished graduates and 
the impressive research the school has produced over the years have 
served to inform and improve public policy on a number of social 
welfare issues.
  Located in the heart of metro Detroit, the School of Social Work's 
principal focus is on diverse urban populations. The school combines 
applied research with concrete field work to produce graduates who are 
highly skilled and ready to serve successfully in their chosen field. 
Under the leadership of Dr. Phyllis Ivory Vroom for nearly a decade, 
the School of Social Work is well positioned to address the 
increasingly complex problems on a city and state level and beyond.
  Housed within the School of Social Work is the Center for Social Work 
Practice and Policy Research. This center, established in 2008, seeks 
to facilitate rigorous debate and to expand our understanding of the 
issues affecting disadvantaged individuals, families, and communities. 
The list of research topics is extensive, from health and human rights 
issues in the Middle East, to women's reproductive health in Africa, to 
substance abuse treatment and prevention within our own communities, to 
name only a few.
  In recent years, the undergraduate degree program has gained 
prominence, ranking first in the nation among social work programs for 
the last four years by the Gourman Report. The graduate program also is 
highly regarded. The School of Social Work's graduation rate is among 
the highest in the university, which speaks to the commitment of the 
faculty and staff and the hard work and dedication of its student body.
  I know my Senate colleagues join me in recognizing past and present 
faculty, staff, and alumni of the Wayne State University School of 
Social Work. These individuals have contributed mightily to the 
tremendous success of the school over the past 75 years. I look forward 
to another 75 years of inspired leadership and continued educational 
excellence.

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