Connie Kade, a graduate of the Master of Social Work program at Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, recently established a scholarship to assist students in obtaining their Master’s degree in social work. A native of Mercer County, WV, she has resided in Wilmington, DE since her graduation in 1974.
The Connie Lynn Kade Graduate Social Work Scholarship will provide annual support for students born in West Virginia, who demonstrate financial need and maintain good academic standing. In a field where the demand for graduates continues to rise, there are limited scholarships available. This fund will help offset the financial hardship students face in obtaining graduate degrees.
“My experience in the MSW program at WVU forever changed my life. Knowledge and experience created self-confidence and enabled me to empower others. Over 34 years, I worked with thousands of individuals helping them achieve positive changes in their own lives,” said Kade. “I’m now retired, and truly blessed to fulfill my lifetime dream of establishing this scholarship to help those students who need financial assistance. These graduates will enter the social work profession prepared to enable positive change in and beyond West Virginia.”
WVU social work graduate students serve hundreds of hours outside the classroom as part of the required field experience. Whether preparing to provide clinical services to individuals and families, or learning the leadership skills required for successful community organizing, pairing classroom work and experiential learning is the hallmark of a successful graduate program. The time investment, outside the classroom, makes it financially difficult for many graduate students. This scholarship makes a significant investment in the graduate student, allowing for more time and focus on both course work and field placements.
The School of Social Work at WVU promotes community-centric ideals, upholding the mission of the Land Grant institution by serving throughout West Virginia’s 55 counties. Through a partnership with West Virginia State University, a historically black public university in Institute, WV, the MSW program continues to expand graduate education offerings throughout the state.
“We are so honored that Connie holds us in such high regard,” said Assistant Dean of Development Anna Justice. “Her gift will continue to impact our students’ lives well into the future, in addition to the lives those students will change throughout their social work careers.”
For more information on how to make a gift in support of this fund, contact the Eberly College Office of Development at 304-293-4611 or ECAS@mail.wvu.edu.
This contribution was made in conjunction with A State of Minds: The Campaign for West Virginia’s University. The $1 billion comprehensive campaign being conducted by the WVU Foundation on behalf of the University runs through December 2017.
For further information on the comprehensive campaign, please visit http://www.astateofminds.com or http://www.eberly.wvu.edu
