Olean, N.Y., resident Carl McGowen is one of 13 students recognized by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work for Excellence in Practice.
McGowen is working toward his Master of Social Work degree at the Bradford campus, which has a three-year-and-a-half year program for professionals.
The Excellence in Social Work Practice Awards are designed to provide financial support to social work students in their final year of study at the University of Pittsburgh and honor students who demonstrate exemplary commitment to social work practice. The awards are given to students who display outstanding potential as social workers, both through their scholarship in the classroom and in field-based learning.
Stephanie Eckstrom, coordinator of the social work program at the Bradford campus, nominated McGowen.
Carl has made the most of his graduate school journey, facilitated by his unparalleled intellectual curiosity.Stephanie Eckstrom
“Carl has made the most of his graduate school journey, facilitated by his unparalleled intellectual curiosity,” she wrote in her nomination. “He demonstrates infectious, genuine excitement in dissecting and applying new concepts, both theoretically and in the field.”
McGowen's field work has been with Catholic Charities and at the Miriam Center for Hope and Healing, a nonprofit trauma therapy practice, where he has been able to establish effective helping relationships with previously defensive, withdrawn or aggressive clients.
Eckstrom wrote, “Carl readily identifies the dignity and humanity in his clients, gently challenging distorted, dysfunctional beliefs.”