U-M School of Social Work Centennial Oral Histories

Brett Seabury talks about the climate of the school in the late 70's his role in developing a faculty review protocol.

Connie Ackert shares her journey to social work and attending school while being a student and a parent in the 1980s.

Nicole Hayes shares her story about gaining support from her fellow students and teachers at the SSW after the death of her Grandmother.

William "Bill" Cabin talked about why he came to Michigan SSW. He talked about the role of the student services office, how it felt to be a non-traditional student, the joy of academic enrichment.

Terry Axelrod talks about the '67 riots in Detroit and her decision to become a social worker.

Stacey Saunders talks about her path to social work and the unique feature of the SSW - its geriatric fellowship.

Charles Tommasulo talks about his professional career, his time in school, his time in New York, the Vietnam war and his reason for choosing the University of Michigan.

John Tropman, Henry J. Meyer Collegiate Professor Emeritus of Social Work, talks about his journey to U-M and captures the climate of the School in the tumultuous 1960s.

Rosalva Osorio MSW ‘06, developed a keen lens for the value of learning at the School. “I have had a lot of different teachers, but they all have told me that learning is key to social justice and that our social work knowledge base is going to help us move society forward. Also, I have been able to build different connections in my time at U-M. I make sure I use the resources that have been given to me that continually help me expand my practice.”

Carol Goss, MSW ‘72, recounted how she was born with a passion to help others. However, her time at the U-M School of Social Work helped her understand the complexity of individual empowerment and institutional change. She learned to name skills and use them at U-M.