2018 Pitt Social Work Annual Awards Program and Reception

See photos from the 2018 event on Flickr!

Distinguished Alumni – Social Work Education

David Miller (PhD ’93)

Associate Professor, Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at Case Western Reserve University

Dr. Miller’s research focus is on the health status of African American males.  Specifically, he is investigating how African American males participate in the informed decision-making process regarding cancer screening.  Dr. Miller’s research and scholarship interests also include health behaviors of minority men; development and validation of the Urban Hassles Index (UHI); retirement preparation and role of social workers for those falling short of post-employment income streams; and influence of social networks on sexual behaviors of elderly adults. Dr. Miller chairs the Health specialization and is the lead instructor for the Research sequence.  He also is the Director of the International Education Programs at Case Western.

Distinguished Alumni – Social Work Practice

Don Goughler (MSW ’76)

Executive-in-Residence at the Forbes Funds

(Previous) Chief Executive Officer, Family Services of Western Pennsylvania

Mr. Goughler is a nationally-recognized leader in nonprofit executive management.  He served as CEO of Family Services of Western Pennsylvania for 15 years, managing a $27m budget and leading a staff of more than 500 people.  Prior to that role, Don was CEO for Southwestern Pennsylvania Human Services, Inc. for 22 years.  He continues his executive coaching in his current role as Executive in Residence at The Forbes Funds.  In this role, he has provided direct coaching to more than 220 executive directors and board leaders, sharing his expertise and wisdom with the next generation of nonprofit leaders in the region.  Don is a highly visible and impactful alumnus of the school, where has been an adjunct instructor for more than 20 year

Outstanding Alumni Awards:

Samantha Balbier (MSW ’98)

Executive Director, Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership

Ms. Balbier has led the GPNP for the past 4 years, coordinating and guiding the collective voice of the nonprofit community to advocate and lobby on critical issues affecting the sector.  At a time when policy practice has resurged as vital to effective social work practice, Sam has stood out in the region for her leadership and passion.  She has given back to the school in many ways, including offering the keynote address at Pitt Social Work’s student-organized policy practice forum on proposed Federal budget cuts.  Her knowledge and understanding of the budget climate and how it impacts human services both locally and nationally is remarkable.

Rosa Davis (MSW ’86, BASW ’81)

Executive Director, POWER

Ms. Davis has led POWER for 26 years, growing the organization from one program to a multi-faceted continuum of treatment and support services designed to reflect women’s lives and experiences.  Rosa’s leadership and impact have been critical to the region in addressing issues related to addiction and trauma.  Her reputation is enhanced by her involvement with several professional and community organizations.  Rosa is committed to support women in recovery and she is beloved for both her expertise and compassion.

Outstanding Field Instructor

Robyn Markowitz Lawler (MSW ’10)

Assistant Director, Hillel Jewish University Center

Ms. Markowitz Lawler has been a go-to field instructor for Pitt Social Work since shortly after her graduation.  Robyn is lauded by the field staff for her interpersonal skills, planning and organizing, and leadership.  She has hired several of her interns upon completion of their placement, confirming the strong partnership Robyn has forged between Hillel and Pitt Social Work.

Rising Star

Monica Ruiz (MSW ’17, BASW ’15)

Executive Director, Casa San Jose

Ms. Ruiz is the Executive Director at Casa San Jose, a nonprofit serving the needs of the Latino community in western Pennsylvania.  She has been a powerful advocate for Latinos on legal, housing, development, and educational issues.  Monica fights for those facing deportation proceedings and launches projects to assist women, youth and high school students.  She received the 2018 New Person Award from the Thomas Merton Center for her work.