These events support the goals of National Social Work Month, which include inviting the public to learn how social workers help people in a wide variety of ways - from providing mental health services to groups and families, to organizing communities.

Memorial honors retired associate dean Hourihan
Celebrate the life of Joseph P. Hourihan (1918-2004), retired associate dean and professor emeritus, SSW, with SSW Dean Phyllis Vroom, the faculty and staff, Board of Visitors, friends and alumni, 4:30-6:30 p.m. Friday, March 11, at McGregor Memorial Conference Center on Wayne State University\'s campus. For further information about the celebration or to RSVP, call (313) 577-4400 or e-mail satitus3244@aol.com.

Hourihan died on Dec. 5, 2004, in his hometown of Buffalo, NY. He spent most of his professional life in Metropolitan Detroit. He taught elementary school in Grosse Pointe, Mich., from 1939 to 1942. Hourihan joined the SSW faculty in 1953 and taught in the College of Education until 1958, when he was appointed SSW associate professor. From 1968 to 1970, he served as the SSW assistant dean and as associate dean until his retirement in 1989, when he was named professor emeritus. Hourihan\'s work was nationally known and instrumental in defining the role of school social workers.

"Working with students was his great joy," Vroom says. "In 1999, he established a scholarship fund at the School of Social Work to support students interested in pursuing careers as social workers in inner-city schools."

Contributions may be made to the Joseph P. Hourihan Endowed Scholars Fund at www.alumniconnections.com/donate/wsu. For further information about donating to the fund, call (313) 577-8807 or e-mail margueritec@wayne.edu.

Learn about social work careers, degree programs at open house
The SSW will hold a Saturday, March 26, open house to provide information about bachelor\'s and master\'s degree programs and opportunities in the profession. The school\'s bachelor\'s degree program is the top-ranked program in the United States, according to The Gourman Report.

From 9 to 10:30 a.m., prospective students can meet with faculty and staff members in small group discussions to learn about various areas of social work. From 10:30 a.m. to noon, prospective students can learn how to apply for admission to the bachelor of social work and master of social work degree programs. The school is at 4756 Cass Ave., one block south of Warren Avenue in Detroit. For further information, call (313) 577-4409.

Annual luncheon to honor social worker and citizen of the year
The School of Social Work Alumni Association\'s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon on Thursday, March 31, will honor two Wayne State University graduates and feature a presentation on social work and the new Michigan licensure law.

Carol A. Oleksiak, MSW \'89, infant mental health specialist at The Guidance Center in Southgate, Mich., will be honored as Social Worker of the Year for her distinctive social work knowledge, practice and leadership. Oleksiak drew praise for her commitment to the well-being of families. She lives in Melvindale, Mich.

George P. Gaerig, MA \'80, manager at the Capuchin Soup Kitchen in Detroit, will receive the Citizen of the Year award for his leadership skills, compassion for clients and commitment to helping the disadvantaged. He lives in Redford, Mich.

David L. Neal, assistant professor emeritus, University of Michigan, and chair, Michigan Board of Examiners of Social Workers, will deliver the keynote address, \"The Social Work Profession and the New Michigan Licensure Law.\" State of Michigan legislation will require social workers and certified social workers to be licensed rather than registered, effective July 1, 2005.

The awards luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the Hilberry Lounges of the Student Center Building at Wayne State. The cost is $30 per person. For more information or to RSVP by Thursday, March 24, contact Anwar Najor-Durack at (313) 577-4409 or ac1724@wayne.edu.

The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) organizes National Social Work Month. For more information on the NASW and National Social Work Month, visit http://www.naswdc.org/pressroom/default.asp.

As a key component of an urban research university, the Wayne State University School of Social Work is among the nation\'s leaders in preparing people for professional practice. Graduates of the Wayne State University School of Social Work are highly sought after by local, regional and national agencies.