Celebrating Connection and Impact at Alumni and Reunion Weekend 2025

The University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice welcomed alumni, students, faculty, and friends back to Edith Abbott Hall on May 2–3 for a memorable Alumni and Reunion Weekend. The two-day gathering offered moments of reflection, recognition, and renewed connection.

The weekend opened with the Crown Family School Social Justice Address, featuring renowned author and policy expert Heather McGhee. McGhee captivated the audience with a powerful talk rooted in her bestselling book, The Sum of Us. McGhee explored the shared costs of racism and presented a hopeful vision for collective prosperity through solidarity.

Image

Saturday’s events began with the CASE (Crown Family School Alumni and Students Engage) Networking Brunch, where alumni and current students exchanged stories and built community over a shared meal.

Image

The Rhoda G. Sarnat Lecture followed, with Assistant Professor Abigail Palmer Molina delivering a compelling presentation on advancing maternal mental health equity during the critical early childhood years.

Image

The weekend culminated in the annual Crown Family School Alumni Awards and Class Reunion Celebration. Dean Deborah Gorman-Smith opened the evening with reflections on the School’s mission and recent milestones. Honorees were recognized for their exceptional service, innovation, and professional contributions:

Elizabeth Butler Award:

Camesha L. Jones-Brandon, AM’ 16, LCSW;

Ashley Cureton, AM ’10, PhD ’19

Volunteer Leadership Award:

Marshall Jacobson, AM ’65

Distinctive Innovation in Social Services Award:

Definition Theatre

Milestone Achievement Award:

Corinne R. Francis, AM ’00, MDiv;

Keisha N. Keith, AM ’15, LGSW;

Edwin Martinez, AM ’15

Image

The celebration concluded with class reunion dinners and heartfelt tributes to volunteer leaders who made the weekend possible.

Image