Our Students and Alumni

“I want to make change and make a difference.”

Jessica Mencia, MSW ’21, PhD Student

Bridging gaps to improve outcomes

Kathy Lisborg, DSW ’22, MSW ’14

“UB offered me all that I wanted but so much more.”

Haneul Park, MSW ’20

The power of a conversation

Halimah McBryde, MSW ’23

“UB continues to enrich my life, and I am a proud alum!”

Ellen Grant, MSW ’74

Making an impact

Mel LeMay, MSW ’20

It’s never too late to follow a dream

Elisabeth Garofalo, MSW ’26

Our students and alumni find UB to be a rewarding and exciting place to learn, research and collaborate with one another and our world-class faculty.

“Being able to educate people about problems they are unaware of while also being able to support individuals who have experienced those problems firsthand — that’s why I love social work.”
1/29/25
Julia Szprygada, MSW ’13
“With anything, it's really building resilience and ways to adapt and change.”
10/6/20
Tara Taddio, MSW ’08
“We wanted to serve people with dignity and respect, our core values.”
5/1/14
Joyelle Tedeschi, MSW ’08
“I knew early on in this process that I was on the right path. ”
5/11/22
Vernita Thompson, MSW ’21
“My training at UB helped me stay nimble and flexible during the pandemic and to help my team pivot as needed.”
3/25/22
Michael Tsang, MSW ’06
“There are tons of opportunities to develop professionally if you take advantage of what the school has to offer — you definitely will not regret it.”
1/22/25
Shawnte Wilson, MSW ’12
“No matter your area of interest or professional goals, you will have valuable experiences and opportunities for learning at the UB School of Social Work.”
1/22/25
Katie Witmer, MSW ’13
“What I love about this program is that it is equipping me with skills from both disciplines, helping me to be that much more prepared for my future career.”
10/22/21
Kelly Zaky, MBA/MSW ’22