Three Inductees Named for UA-Founded Social Work Hall of Fame

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. — Three leaders from across the state will be inducted this year into the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame Friday, Sept. 14 at The Club in Birmingham.

The induction ceremony and lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m.

Founded by the Social Work Society at The University of Alabama School of Social Work, the state of Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame honors the accomplishments of some of the state’s most distinguished leaders in the field of social work.

Inductees into the Hall of Fame are acclaimed by their peers and colleagues for their professional status and exemplary leadership. They are also recognized for their creativity and contributions to the knowledge base and practice of social work. All inductees have influenced communities throughout the state.

The 2012 inductees are:

Dr. Gerald Eure, associate professor emeritus, The University of Alabama School of Social Work

Eure received his Master of Social Work from Tulane University in 1959. He worked in child welfare and family counseling for several years before joining the faculty at The University of Alabama in 1968. He received the Doctor of Education from UA in 1975. During his tenure with the School of Social Work, he served as director of field education and Master of Social Work program chair. He retired in 1986. Eure devoted his career to the practice of social work and the quality education of future social workers.

Dorothy J. Underwood, retired director of social services at Children’s Aid Society

Underwood has had a long career as a social worker, supervisor and administrator. She began her career with the Jefferson County Department of Pensions and Security and later joined the staff of Children’s Aid Society, where she worked until her retirement in 1997. She has exhibited an exemplary commitment to training and equipping social workers to do the best job possible in serving their constituent populations.

Dr. Susan Vaughn, professor emerita, University of Montevallo, department of behavioral and social sciences 

Vaughn joined the faculty at the University of Montevallo in 1975. She received a doctorate in social work from Case Western Reserve University in 1986 and continued to serve at Montevallo until her retirement in 2009. Vaughn chaired the social work program at Montevallo and demonstrated a constant, strong commitment to mentoring students and preparing them for the profession of social work.

For information about tickets to the Alabama Social Work Hall of Fame induction luncheon, contact Deidra Perry, director of advancement at the School of Social Work, dkperry@sw.ua.edu or 205/348-0182.