.jpg)
UMSSW’s All School Meeting gathered the community to honor service milestones, celebrate achievements, and launch the new academic year with a spirit of collaboration and optimism.
The University of Maryland School of Social Work (UMSSW) came together this past week for the annual All School Meeting, a tradition that allows our community to reflect on the accomplishments of the past year while looking ahead with purpose and optimism. Dean Judy L. Postmus, PhD, ACSW, opened the gathering with a heartfelt welcome back message to faculty, staff, and students, emphasizing the importance of resilience and collaboration as we move forward into a new academic year. She acknowledged the challenges of these uncertain times, while also celebrating the influx of new students and the fresh energy they bring to the school. Her message reinforced a shared commitment to preparing future social work leaders who will navigate complexity with compassion and skill.
Throughout the meeting, departments across the school provided important updates on their progress and plans for the year ahead. Faculty and staff shared notable accomplishments from research initiatives, program enhancements, and student support services. The updates highlighted the school’s continued dedication to advancing social justice, supporting student success, and strengthening community partnerships. Many of these initiatives reflect a broader vision for the school, centered on academic excellence and community impact.
One of the most meaningful parts of the meeting was the recognition of faculty and staff who have demonstrated outstanding service through milestones in their careers. This year, colleagues were celebrated for five, 10, 15, 25, and 40 years of dedicated service to the school. Their commitment exemplifies the dedication that enables our collaborative work and the impact the school maintains locally and nationally. Each honoree represents both professional excellence and a contribution to the culture of care that defines the UMSSW community.
Honoring a Legacy: UMSSW Celebrates 40 Years of Faculty Excellence
This year’s celebration was particularly momentous as we honored two individuals for an extraordinary 40 years of service: Geoffrey Greif, PhD, MSW, LCSW-C, and Bruce DeForge, PhD, MA. Their careers have inspired generations of students, advanced meaningful scholarship, and strengthened the school in lasting ways. Their decades of service reflect an unwavering devotion to the profession and the UMSSW mission. Both were applauded not only for their professional achievements but also for the mentorship and guidance they offered to countless colleagues and students over the years.
Geoffrey Greif, UMB Distinguished University Professor, was honored for 40 years of exemplary service and leadership. Since joining UMSSW in 1984, Dr. Greif has shaped the field through influential research on family therapy, adult relationships, and social justice, publishing more than 175 articles and 15 books. He has played key roles in faculty governance and community engagement, chaired statewide commissions, and helped launch innovative dual-degree programs. Recognized with nearly 30 teaching awards and major honors, Dr. Greif’s work continues to inspire students and advance social work education at UMSSW and beyond.
Bruce DeForge is an associate professor at UMSSW whose distinguished career spans 40 years of dedicated service and academic leadership. Known for his expertise in public health, epidemiology, and social work education, Dr. DeForge has contributed extensively to research, teaching, and curriculum development in areas such as community-based participatory research and the social determinants of health. His commitment to empathetic, nonjudgmental practice and individualized treatment approaches has impacted countless students and colleagues, making him a respected figure in the UMSSW community and beyond.
The All School Meeting concluded with a sense of gratitude and forward-looking optimism. As the school embarks on a new academic year with renewed energy, the commitment of our faculty, staff, and students serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished through shared purpose. The recognition of service milestones and the community-wide updates reaffirmed a vision for continued growth, resilience, and impact, even in times of uncertainty.
2025 All-School Meeting Photos
*All photos courtesy of Shekinah F. Davis.