Donors and scholarship recipients gathered at the School of Social Work’s annual Endowment Donor Appreciation Reception, where attendees are paired with students directly impacted by their support. It’s a rare commitment in higher education stewardship — connecting generosity to the people whose lives are changing because of it.
Dean Allan Cole interviewed three scholarship recipients in a panel discussion, asking them how financial support transformed possibility into preparation, turning calling into career.
Diamond Lambert, a MSSW student with a clinical focus from Killeen, Texas, is also an Army veteran. A recipient of the Darren Zeller Memorial Endowed Presidential Fellowship in Social Work, she is on track to graduate in May 2027. Her scholarship eliminated financial stress and gave her confidence in herself and the work she’s preparing to do. For Lambert, the value of social work is in the connection between people. “Social workers show up early and listen deeply so people don’t struggle alone.”
Emily Putnam a senior BSW student from Crawford, Texas, is a recipient of the Betty Louise Vesowate Endowed Scholarship and the Mary and Brian Mulvaney Endowed Scholarship in Social Work. She is on track to graduate this May. Her journey into social work began in high school when she and her family advocated for her sister with special needs. It’s a family passion, as her mother graduated with her MSSW degree last year. Social work, she explained, is about showing up when it matters most. “Social workers meet people on their worst day.”
Mark Dalton a MSSW student with a clinical focus from Glastonbury, Connecticut, is a recipient of the Rad and Ashley Weaver Endowed Scholarship. He is on track to graduate in May 2027. For Dalton, social work is a way to pass on the support he and his family received during challenging times — work that exponentially grows in its impact. “Intervention starts with the social worker but ripples through families, communities and schools,” he said.
“We currently have 548 students preparing to become the next generation of social work leaders, addressing a critical need in Texas,” said Dean Cole. “More than one in three are first-generation college students. Two out of three receive direct funding — stipends, support funds or scholarships that make their education possible.”
He closed with gratitude: “Thank you for making this possible. And thank you for continuing to believe in the power of this work.”
Additional photos from the event can be viewed below:
