You can make a difference in people’s lives through your work, being a leader for social justice. Whether you pursue a master’s degree—like 85 percent of Saint Mary’s social work graduates—or enter the work force immediately after graduation, you will be prepared to meet the emerging needs of society.

2008 student body president and social work major Kim Hodges put her learning into action, chairing the Diverse Student Leadership Conference, an annual event which includes participants from colleges and high schools across the country and explores the opportunities and benefits within diverse academic, social, and professional settings.

Here are some other successful Saint Mary's graduates from the Social Work program:

Kim Hodges '08, B.A. in social work--Property manager at the South Bend Heritage Foundation, pursuing a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Abigail Carr '06, B.A. in social work--Case manager at Hope Rescue Mission

Elizabeth Bartels Gansler '06, B.A. in social work--Field placement in the emergency room of South Shore Hospital

Stacey Wesolowski Gappa '06, B.A. in social work--Family specialist/care coordinator for AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist

Nicole Kusack '06, B.A. in social work--Currently earning her M.S. in social work at Loyola University-Chicago

Kathleen McCall '06, B.A. in social work--Currently earning her M.S. in social work at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Anne Rueth '06, B.A. in social work--Earned her M.S. in social work from Columbia University in New York City, and currently is a preventative social worker with The Children's Aid Society in the Bronx.

Kimberly Smith '06, B.A. in social work--Currently earning her M.S. in social work at Aurora University

Jessica Jarvis Strong '06, B.A. in social work--Director of the New Choices program at the Women's Center of Fayetteville, NC, and is working towards a M.S. in social work at Fayetteville State University.

Marcie Livesay ’01 pursued a master’s in social work at Loyola University Chicago right after graduation and worked at a counseling center for disabled adults in Chicago. In 2002, her career took an unexpected turn when she founded Chicago Urban Tails, a pet services business on the city’s north side. She credits her social work studies for preparing her to start her own business and supervise 30 employees. The ability to listen, be empathetic, and be patient were skills honed as a social work major.

For more information on career services, visit the Center for Career Opportunities website.