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Tar Heels gather, celebrate at 2025 SSWR reception

by Matthew Smith

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Social Work faculty, staff and student researchers, as well as alumni, gathered to celebrate the School’s research impact at its Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) annual conference reception.

Held at the Sheraton Grand Seattle, the reception — funded by School supporters — welcomed current and former Tar Heels, while also hosting social work researchers from universities across the country.

The reception featured local food favorites like smoked salmon and ceviche, while also spotlighting a sweet treat from home with Chapel Hill Toffee.

Check out some of the highlights from the SSWR reception.

Deborah Barret, Sonyia Richardson and Kandace Farrar talk during the 2025 SSWR reception
Faculty members chat during the 2025 SSWR reception
Students eat during the 2025 SSWR reception

 

Headshot of Dean Ramona Denby-Brinson

“It was so great seeing our fellow Tar Heels and friends from other universities at our SSWR reception. It’s not often we get a chance to all gather in one place and take the time out to catch up. This time is so important each year to learn more about what our colleagues are working on and the future direction of social work research. Thank you to everyone that came and celebrated with us.”

— Ramona Denby-Brinson, Dean

Candle, UNC pom pom, and UNC mints on a table
Chapel Hill toffee displayed on a table
Assorted meat plate at SSWR reception
Salmon plate at SSWR reception
Dessert tray at SSWR reception

“The UNC School of Social Work reception at SSWR is always special. It is a wonderful tradition that we take a moment out of a busy conference schedule to unwind and connect with peers, alumni and colleagues from other social work programs across the nation and globe. It helps that we had our choice of some of the delicious food that Seattle has to offer.”

— Robert Hawkins, Vice Dean

Head shot of Vice Dean Robert Hawkins

Vice Dean Robert Hawkins talks to a group of people at the 2025 SSWR reception
Kandace Farrar poses with alumni at the 2025 SSWR reception
Gina Chowa talks with colleagues at the 2025 SSWR reception

Head shot of doctoral student Joan Wanyama

“Attending the 2025 Society for Social Work and Research Conference in Seattle was a truly transformative experience. It was an honor to present my research, which was made possible by the unwavering support of Dr. Gina Chowa, Dr. Rainier Masa, and the incredible faculty at GSDI and the UNC School of Social Work. Connecting with fellow students and professors at SSWR deepened my passion for social work and reinforced the power of collaboration in advancing our field.”

— Joan Wanyama, doctoral student

Flowers at the 2025 SSWR reception
Rain Masa talks to colleagues at the 2025 SSWR reception
Will Hall and Dicky Baruah enjoy food at the 2025 SSWR reception

“Attending the SSWR 2025 conference was a truly enriching experience. It gave me an incredible opportunity to showcase my research and engage with a community passionate about advancing social work practice. It also helped me to learn from the ground-breaking work of others and connect with students, social work researchers, and social work faculty whose insights and encouragement deeply inspired me. Being part of such a vibrant and supportive research community reaffirmed my commitment to advancing social justice through rigorous, impactful research.”

—Dicky Baruah, doctoral student

Headshot of Dicky Baruah

Crowd at the 2025 SSWR reception

School community members conducted more than 50 presentations, received national accolades, and connected with social workers around the country during the 2025 SSWR Conference. We look forward to seeing you back in Washington, D.C., in 2026.


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