Alumni Weekend 2026 Celebrates Community, Research, and Impact
By Crown Family School
The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice welcomed alumni, faculty, and friends back to Hyde Park for Alumni Weekend and Reunion 2026, a gathering that brought together generations of alumni united by a shared commitment to building a more just and humane society.
Faculty in Action Talk Series
In conjunction with the University-wide Alumni Weekend, the Crown Family School's programming began with the “Faculty in Action” Talk Series, featuring lectures by 10 Crown Family School faculty members across five sessions.
Session topics included:
- Global and Social Development, presented by Aimee Hilado, PhD, LCSW, and Alan Zarychta, PhD
- Housing and Inequality, presented by Robin Bartram, PhD, and Philip Garboden, PhD
- Migration and Immigration, presented by Yoonsun Choi, PhD, and Angela S. Garcia, PhD
- Poverty Alleviation, presented by Julia R. Henly, PhD, and Margaret M.C. Thomas, PhD
- Suicide and Mental Health, presented by Janelle R. Goodwill, PhD, and Miwa Yasui, PhD
During each session, faculty members discussed emerging research and approaches to addressing complex social challenges. The series offered alumni insight into the innovative research and teaching taking place across the Crown Family School and highlighted the breadth of faculty expertise.
Alumni Awards and Reunion Celebrations
The weekend’s first evening brought alumni together for the Alumni Awards Ceremony and Reunion Party Dinner in Edith Abbott Hall, where the Crown Family School recognized seven alumni for their contributions to the field and their communities.
From the awards ceremony to reunion gatherings, the evening celebrated the lasting connections formed at the School and the continued impact alumni are making across sectors and communities.
This year's award recipients were:
- Edith Abbott Award: Colonel David Rabb, AM'85
- Social Impact Award: Julissa Gutierrez, AM'06
- Milestone Achievement Award: Kent Burbank, AM'96
- Milestone Achievement Award: Mary K. Kaess, AM'71
- Milestone Achievement Award: Tessa Garcia McEwen, AM'16
- Milestone Achievement Award: Lynne White Dixon, AM'76
- Volunteer Leadership Award: Joanne Medak, AM'74
Rhoda G. Sarnat Lecture
A signature event of Alumni Weekend and Reunion, the annual Rhoda G. Sarnat Lecture features a prominent researcher or practitioner speaking on issues connected to clinical social work practice.
This year’s lecture was delivered by Gabriela Zapata-Alma, AM’12, LCSW, CADC, Associate Director at the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma and Mental Health, and Lecturer at the Crown Family School.
During the lecture, Zapata-Alma explored alternative ways of understanding substance use and recovery, encouraging attendees to think beyond a purely medical model and to center clients’ lived experiences, realities, and agency in healing.
Networking Lunch
Following the Sarnat Lecture, alumni gathered for a networking lunch to reconnect with classmates and colleagues across generations and practice areas. The gathering provided an opportunity to strengthen the professional and personal relationships that continue to shape the Crown Family School community.
The Crown Family School extends its gratitude to all who joined Alumni Weekend and Reunion 2026 and looks forward to welcoming alumni and friends back to campus next year.