Iraida Carrion and Manisha Joshi welcomed attendees to the celebration.
In the MHC Atrium, Manisha Joshi, PhD, MPH, MSW, and Iraida Carrion, PhD, LCSW, both associate professors in the School of Social Work, hosted a celebratory event marking the 10th anniversary of the School of Social Work's study abroad programs. Carrion and Joshi embarked on this transformative journey back in 2014 when they pioneered the School of Social Work's first study abroad program in India. Fueled by student demand and a shared vision for global education, they expanded their horizons further, introducing Spain into the program in 2017. The event titled “Celebration of a Decade of Global Education: Embarking on the Future," symbolized the school's unwavering commitment to providing students with opportunities to learn about practices and policies around the globe.
This wonderful event brought together USF World Vice President Kiki Caruson, PhD, CBCS Dean Julie Serovich, PhD, Education Abroad leadership, leaders from other colleges, alumni of study abroad programs to India and Spain, and current students. Both Caruson and Dean Serovich recognized the significant impact of global education. This celebration served as a wonderful platform for reflections, a stroll down memory lane, and exchanges between alumni of the India and Spain programs and current students.
Partners in India and Spain, including Cynthia Giambruno (pictured), shared video messages.
Messages from partners in India and Spain were also played – they underscored the profound impact of these programs on both the students and the communities they touched, as well as shared their excitement to host more programs in the future.
The celebration was more than just a reflection on the past; it was a joyous embrace of the future. Carrion and Joshi took this opportunity to also express their heartfelt gratitude to two exceptional individuals who had played pivotal roles in the School of Social Work’s study abroad programs.
Tennyson Wright, PhD, CRC, professor emeritus, spoke with attendees after being recognized for his support of the school's study abroad programs.
Amy Weisz, former senior academic advisor, and Tennyson Wright, professor emeritus, former interim director of the School of Social Work, former chair of the Department of Rehabilitation and Mental Health Counseling, and a former vice provost of the University of South Florida, were recognized for their unwavering support. Their presence added a special touch to the event, reminding everyone of the enduring bonds that had been forged over the years.
See photos from the event here.