Still a social worker
What I'm up to: Sylvia Gold, MSW ’81
By Catherine Donnelly
Sylvia Gold, MSW ’81, always knew she wanted to be a social worker.
“My Aunt Anne was a social worker. I was enthralled with how she cared about how people felt as opposed to telling them what to do,” says Gold. “But it took me almost 20 years after finishing my first degree to start the next.”
Gold graduated from UB in 1958 with an associate’s degree, married, had two children and volunteered in a myriad of activities before she recommitted to her own education. She returned to UB and completed her bachelor’s in psychology because she thought it would lead to clinical counseling.
“I am so thankful to my advisor, who explained how my degree would translate to the real world,” she continues. “I didn’t want to conduct testing — I wanted to help people.”
She enrolled in the UB School of Social Work, where Gold found several nontraditional students and formed a tight study group to survive the rigors of the program.
“Each week was three days of internship with two days of classes. There was no internet, so we had to do research at the library and keep up with all the homework,” she says. “It was quite a culture shock for my family when I wasn’t home making dinner every night! My internships at the Lockport Senior Citizen’s Centre [now The Dale Association] and doing structural family therapy in St. Catharines, Ontario, allowed me to focus on the topics I wanted to learn: geriatrics and family counseling. Every place I worked at was innovative.”
Gold worked in Lockport for 12 years and became the clinical director for several outpatient mental health services, including art therapy, elder abuse, grief and loss, and domestic violence support, while also gaining experience in program evaluation, budgeting and grant writing.
“Eventually I tired of being in management. I missed working directly with clients,” she says. “I moved to Buffalo General as part of a team that conducted outpatient mental health groups to support a diverse client base. It was an amazing place to work and I remained there until I retired at 72.”
I am still a social worker. It is ingrained in my psyche.”
— Sylvia Gold, MSW ’81
Today, at 85, Gold is still involved in social work, including as a School of Social Work alumni mentor.
“I've known Sylvia for over 12 years since I met her during my first year,” says Ashley Stewart, MSW ’16, a social worker at the WNY Children's Psychiatric Center day treatment program. “She was part of the UB mentoring program and I found her to be kind, knowledgeable and always willing to provide feedback and advice. We have developed a strong friendship, and I appreciate how she continues to share her years of wisdom, experience and expertise.”
In addition, Gold has been an active member of the state and local National Association of Social Workers (NASW) since 1981. She was recently honored with the NASW-NYS 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award.
“I am still a social worker. It is ingrained in my psyche,” says Gold. “If someone wants this career they will find it to be fulfilling. It is never stagnant. However, new graduates need to understand that we cannot change anyone. Social workers need to be good listeners and help people identify their strengths, evaluate their options and accept outcomes. I carry a little bit of every client with me and cherish mementos, like beautiful artwork, shared with me.”