In late January, the first two cohorts of graduates and current students in the Master of Social Work came together for the second Annual Master of Social Work Celebration to recognize the program’s accreditation by the Council on Social Work Education’s (CSWE) Board of Accreditation (BOA). Alumni from the Classes of 2023 and 2024 shared insights into their post-graduate experiences, while MSW faculty provided valuable guidance to current students. The event also offered a great opportunity for current students to connect and network with alumni, gaining first hand advice on navigating the program and planning for their careers. An exciting highlight of the event was the announcement that 100% of the program’s graduates have passed their LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) exam, a testament to the program’s strong preparation and success.
The program director of Merrimack’s Master of Social Work, James Howland, M.S.W., Ed.D., hosted the event, and was joined by a number of faculty from the School of Education and Social Policy, notably Deborah Margolis, Academic Dean and Associate Professor. Margolis spotlighted Dr. Howland for his guidance and leadership in shaping the program and creating an environment where students can succeed both academically and professionally. “Our program is accredited because of Jim and our incredible team,” said Margolis, addressing the audience. “All of the wonderful experiences you are having is because of this amazing team with wonderful leadership.”
The faculty in attendance were also honored for their hard work and dedication in earning accreditation for the program and fostering a welcoming, supportive community for MSW students and alumni. During the event, each MSW faculty member expressed their pride in the program, as well as their current and former students. Professor John Kessler, M.S.W. began by honoring the community and family they have built in the MSW program. “We not only encourage our students to advocate for themselves when they are struggling, but will do almost anything we can to provide the safety valves that we can to make sure they’re getting what they need to become a professional social worker,” Kessler said. He further emphasized the strong support system between faculty and students, stating, “everybody [from our program] who has taken the LCSW exam has passed, and that’s a credit to what we do and what our students do, and what they’re learning.” Professor Sarah Lafkas, Ed.D., M.S.W. went on to express how proud she is to see the growth that only two years made within Merrimack’s MSW community, and attributed the seamlessness of earning accreditation to the camaraderie amongst her fellow faculty. She expressed, “I feel like I’m really part of something big, and I’m really proud to be here.” Next, Professor Katherine Willard, M.S.W., LICSW, addressed the alumni in the room, articulating her appreciation for their dedication in returning to Merrimack for this event and offering encouragement to students currently earning their degree. Professor Virgina Durnford, Ed.D., M.S.W. concluded the faculty spotlights stating, “if there is any question in your mind, you are in the right place and it’s worth the journey.”
The Master of Social Work program at Merrimack has proven to be a strong entry point for success in a range of careers in social work. The 2023 and 2024 graduate cohorts shared their post-graduate experiences, many working in Outpatient Therapy, School Adjustment Counseling, and Mental Health Counseling. Alumni also shared their advice for completing the LCSW exam, highlighting the program’s comprehensive preparation. “I felt very prepared. I took [the exam] soon after graduation, and a lot of what we talked about and learned in class was very applicable to the exam,” said Gabby Barbuto, MSW’24, who currently works as a School Adjustment Counselor at a local high school.
Each alum took the opportunity to reflect on their current positions and credited Merrimack for laying a strong foundation for their success. Domenica Hudy, MSW’24, has found her calling as an Outpatient Therapist, stating, “I love my job! I’m so happy.” Haleigh King, MSW’23, who had also participated as a speaker in last year’s MSW Celebration, shared that Merrimack had connected her with and helped her land her current position as a Counselor and Program Advocate at the Center of Hope and Healing. “I had my first and second internship there, got hired part-time, and then I got hired full-time,” she explains. “I’m really grateful to Merrimack for having connected me with them. I love it and I love what I do.” Taylor Darrell, MSW’23, explained that she had made a shift in her focus within social work, and upon finding success in changing paths and excelling in her career gave current students a strong piece of advice, “The great thing about social work is that you can really do a broad range of things. I suggest you get uncomfortable and do things you never thought you would ever do.”
As the event concluded, students were able to network with faculty and alumni, catching up with former classmates, hearing stories from the field, and strengthening the bond of Merrimack’s MSW community. The second annual MSW celebration provided hope and motivation for those moving into their final spring semester, as well as those beginning their first year in the program, and gave faculty and alumni the chance to rejoice on their outstanding achievements.
