Rutgers School of Social Work’s Center for Research on Ending Violence (REV) has launched a new online training course designed to help physicians across New Jersey prevent sexual misconduct, better support survivors, and foster safer healthcare environments.

For Nicole Matos-Martiak, earning a Master of Social Work (MSW) degree was not simply about advancing her career. It was about strengthening the work she had already dedicated herself to for years.

For Rutgers School of Social Work alum Lily Antonowicz, a career in public policy began with a simple but profound goal: making a meaningful impact. “I was really agonizing over what I was going to do,” she recalled of her undergraduate years. “I just found myself wanting to make an impact in some kind of way and just wasn’t really sure how to best do that.” Encouraged by a mentor to explore social work, Lily discovered a path that would ultimately lead her to Capitol Hill, where she now serves as a legislative assistant in the office of Andy Kim, advising on health and labor policy.

On Monday, May 18, Rutgers School of Social Work recognized BASW, MSW, DSW, and Ph.D. graduates at its 2025 Convocation ceremony. Hundreds gathered at Jersey Mike’s Arena in New Brunswick to support the 929 graduates who earned a degree from the School of Social Work this year, including 758 MSW grads, 155 BA in Social Work grads, 13 DSW grads, and 3 Ph.D. grads.

Joe and Alessa Manuola earned their master's degree, coming full circle since arriving on the Douglass campus for preschool as toddlers.

On April 30, more than 120 Rutgers School of Social Work students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, and community members traveled to Washington, DC, for an afternoon of reflection and inspiration centered on the life and legacy of civil rights icon and longtime congressman, John Lewis.

Rutgers School of Social Work Distinguished Professor Stephen Crystal, PhD, who also serves as Director of the Rutgers Center for Health Services Research at the Institute for Health, Health Care Policy and Aging Research, won the Board of Trustees Award for Excellence in Research.

In this edition of Partnering for Change, you will learn how Rutgers School of Social Work's global engagement is expressed through collaborative research initiatives, international partnerships, and globally-focused scholarship that informs policy and practice worldwide. The School is committed to ensuring that its global work is reciprocal, community driven, and grounded in mutual learning and respect. As you read, you will discover how leaders at our School are conducting research that addresses complex global challenges and are spearheading transformative efforts in communities across the world.

Rutgers School of Social Work will be represented at the National Association for Social Workers New Jersey (NASW-NJ) Annual Conference from April 26-28, 2026 by a number of presentations and learning opportunities being hosted by our faculty, staff, and alumni.