The Mazzini Family

In a powerful continuation of their mission to shine a light on mental health awareness, sisters Artemis and Sophia Mazzini, alumnae of Rutgers University, have launched a new endowment at Rutgers School of Social Work through their nonprofit, Into the Light. Established in memory of their father, the endowment will support MSW students pursuing careers in mental health with a focus on youth and young adult services.

New Alumni Council Members

For the past twelve years, members of the School of Social Work’s Alumni Council have served as ambassadors that interface between the School, the thousands of alumni who earned a social work degree from Rutgers, and the broader social work community. The Alumni Council, which is comprised of alumni who serve in a volunteer capacity, supports future generations of social workers, enhances the professional portfolios of alumni, and keeps graduates connected with their classmates. Council members work collaboratively and actively engage with fellow alumni to promote the School’s reputation and standard of excellence among internal and external stakeholders. The Council also provides recommendations based on trends in the field to School leadership.

Patricia Kastner

Patricia Kastner, SSW’02 is a dedicated alumna, a beloved mother and grandmother, and a lifelong advocate for children and families. Patricia’s journey to a career in social work has been defined by empathy, strength, and an unwavering commitment to helping others. Now, as she faces advanced ovarian cancer and receives care through hospice, her family and medical team are carrying forward her legacy through the newly-established Ovarian Cancer Innovation Fund—a visionary effort to fuel research and bring hope to others facing this disease.

New Faculty Headshots

Rutgers School of Social Work is pleased to announce the appointment of Drs. Julia Cusano, Sandra Edmonds Crewe, Amml Hussein, and Durrell Malik Washington Sr. to its faculty. We asked them to identify five meaningful objects in their homes and offices.