The Department of Social Work at the University of Minnesota Duluth is pleased to announce the 4th annual "Outstanding MSW Field Supervisor and Civic Engagement Award". This is an award that recognizes a field supervisor who has demonstrated outstanding personal and professional civic engagement. "Civic engagement" includes providing quality supervision to students completing their field placements, encouraging student's involvement in their communities both in their fieldwork and outside of field activities. The Department seeks to recognize field supervisors who go "above and beyond" in their work with the MSW students and their communities.
The recipient for 2013 is posthumously awarded to Steve O'Neil. Steve had a long history of service as an MSW field supervisor as well as an adjunct faculty member in the Department of Social Work. While many people knew Steve for his work as a St. Louis County Commissioner and tireless advocate for people experiencing poverty and homelessness, he was also an outstanding role model, teacher and mentor to social work students and the entire social work community.
Jensina Rosen, MSW, nominated Steve. Jensina had the opportunity to be supervised by Steve in her field placement with the St. Louis County Commissioner's Office during the 2012-2013 academic year, shortly before Steve's death. As stated in the nomination letter, "Throughout my field placement, I observed an individual who not only exemplified outstanding personal and professional civic engagement, but expected it in me as well. Throughout my time working with Steve, I also observed a ma who seems to embody the NASW Code of Ethics, treating everyone he meets-from judges to homeless people-with the same dignity and respect. In honor of Steve, the Department of Social Work has made a donation to CHUM Family Shelter Capital Campaign. The award was accepted on behalf of Steve's family by Emily Larson, MSW, at the Annual Fall Field Supervisor Training Luncheon on September 30th, 2013.
