When Salome Raheim arrived as the new dean of the School of Social Work in summer 2008, she made fundraising an immediate priority.
“Achieving excellence in social work education requires resources in addition to state funding,” says Raheim. “Private gifts help us attract and support talented students and offer innovative programs.”
One of her goals is to provide greater support for students in the master’s degree and Ph.D. programs.
“We’d like to develop more resources to help our students in the form of scholarships, sources for graduate assistantships and opportunities for research. In this economy, it’s challenging for students to keep up with their financial commitments to education. Since their direct work with disadvantaged populations is so critical and their contributions to the social work community so invaluable, it’s important that the University assist them with the resources to succeed,” says Raheim.
Raheim is helping inspire giving and leading by example. She has offered to personally match gifts made by faculty and staff members through the Close to Home campaign, up to $10,000.
“When faculty and staff give to the school, they show a deep level of commitment to our mission. I offered to match their gifts to build a sense of excitement about giving, as well as to lead by example,” she explains.
Raheim notes that the generosity of faculty and staff members has made a significant difference. She points to a recent major planned bequest from Professor Emeritus Archibald Stuart, an internationally known expert on social welfare policy. The Archibald Stuart Fund for Excellence in Social Work will support professional development for faculty members, student scholarships and student-faculty activities. Stuart, who taught from 1961 to 1991, remains involved with the school and is currently writing a comprehensive book on social policy to leave as his legacy to the field.
“Professor Emeritus Stuart’s bequest intention is most welcome as we set about creating greater opportunities and resources for our students. It’s wonderful to see the devotion of faculty emeriti and their interest in determining the future course of the school,” says Raheim.
For more information about supporting the School of Social Work, please contact the UConn Foundation's development department.
