For Immediate Release

CUSSW Student Honored as “Student of the Year” 

New York, NY – Ernest Gonzales, a student at the Columbia University School of Social Work (CUSSW), was honored as the Master’s in Social Work “Student of the Year” by the New York State Social Work Education Association. The award presentation took place at the association’s 39^th annual conference held in White Plains on November 18, 2006. 

The New York State Social Work Education Association is a statewide organization whose purpose is to provide a forum for social work faculty, deans and directors, field instructors, students, practitioners, and administrators to exchange information regarding social work education. The “Student of the Year” award honors a student enrolled in a graduate social work program who has made outstanding contributions through involvement in the social work program, campus activities, service to the community, or scholarly activities. 

"I am grateful to receive this award," says Gonzales. "I wish the entire School of Social Work could be acknowledged, because there are so many students who continuously make positive impacts on communities." 

A native of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Gonzales is a second-year student at CUSSW studying social enterprise administration and aging.  He received his undergraduate degree in sociology from Hunter College, and has studied at the University of London and the National Collegiate Honors Society. A member of the Awareness on Aging Caucus at CUSSW, he is also the North American student representative to the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse, (United Nations organization), a board member of the New York Musical Society and a Public Policy & Governmental Affairs Intern at the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force.  A professional dancer, Gonzales has studied and performed with the Jose Limon, Alvin Ailey and Martha Graham dance ensembles. He is currently working on a play to educate the public on elder abuse and neglect issues.

For more information, please contact Jeannie Yip at 212-851-2327 or [email protected]. 

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About CUSSW (www.socialwork.columbia.edu)

For more than 100 years, the Columbia University School of Social Work has been the leader in practice and policy. Located in New York City, the School offers Master’s and Doctoral programs which are nationally and internationally recognized for their excellence. With a signature curriculum and far-reaching field education experience, CUSSW continues to be at the forefront of clinical practice, public policy, teaching, research and social work innovation in the 21st Century.