TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — The University of Alabama School of Social Work will welcome back one of its distinguished alumni to deliver the school’s honors day speech Friday at Little Hall.
Dr. Marian Swindell, who earned her master’s and doctorate in social work at UA, is the featured speaker for the school’s convocation to honor outstanding students. Swindell is an associate professor of social work at Mississippi State University’s Meridian campus.
Friday’s ceremony begins at 10 a.m. in room 132.
The title of Swindell’s discussion is “Powerful Beyond Measure.” Swindell said the speech is aimed to empower and encourage students to continue working against human injustice.
“The social work profession is very emotionally and mentally challenging,” said Swindell. “We see a lot that’s hard to take home with us. We beat ourselves up a lot because we attempt to do good work. We’ve gone in, answered this calling — that’s what makes the perfect social worker. We need to appreciate the dedication and hard work.
“This will be a pat on the back.”
Swindell has a lengthy history of community service and achievement at MSU. She recently served as the interim associate dean for the Division of Arts and Sciences for two years.
In 2003, she began volunteer work with Hope Village for Children, a therapeutic foster care home in Meridian, Miss. Each year, Swindell, along with 25 social work students, volunteers at the “Run For Hope,” a 5K, 3K and 1 mile run/walk to raise money for Hope Village.
In 2009, Swindell founded and implemented, “Gaits to Greatness” the first therapeutic/guided horseback riding program in east Mississippi and west Alabama. The program works with more than 200 special needs and disabled children throughout the year.
From 2008-10, Swindell served as a captain in the Mississippi State Security Guard and was the first female in the history of the Division of Arts and Sciences at MSU-Meridian to be promoted and tenured.
Contact
David Miller, media relations, 205/348-0825
Source
Dr. Marian Swindell, 601/484-0126