Crown Family School Honors Alumni Advancing Communities and Social Change
By Crown Family School
The Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice recognized seven distinguished alumni during the 2026 Alumni Awards Ceremony in Edith Abbott Hall on May 1, 2026. The recipients' work reflects a deep commitment to improving the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Deborah Gorman-Smith, PhD, Chief Strategist for Community Engagement and Partnerships, Dean of Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy, and Practice, and Emily Klein Gidwitz Professor, welcomed the recipients, their loved ones, all alumni, and other attendees before presenting honors across four award categories: the Edith Abbott Award, the Social Impact Award, the Milestone Achievement Award, and the Volunteer Leadership Award.
"Each of you chose a path grounded in service and impact, and in your own ways, you strengthen communities, shape systems, and improve lives," Gorman-Smith said. "It's incredibly meaningful work, and it's work we're so deeply proud of."
Colonel David Rabb, AM'85, received the Edith Abbott Award, one of the Crown Family School's highest honors.
"David has a distinguished career focused on trauma-based therapy, excelling in the treatment of veterans who had experienced Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in Afghanistan and the Iraq wars," Gorman-Smith said. He oversaw the behavioral health and wellness needs of 40,000 soldiers and earned numerous military honors, including two bronze stars.
Colonel Rabb’s nominator noted his "vision and efforts have been instrumental in helping thousands of veterans across the United States," particularly among marginalized veterans in the LGBT+ and BiPOC communities.
Julissa Gutierrez, AM'06, received the Social Impact Award for her work as a public servant, equity champion, and policy expert. A proud Queens-born Colombiana, she is widely respected as an expert on Latino issues, civic participation, and inclusive governance.
Gorman-Smith said Gutierrez’s nominator praised her "rare ability to pair vision and execution, building durable programs that change institutional practice, not just rhetoric," and credited her as a central leader in policy efforts that raised the minimum wage, enacted the nation's strongest paid family leave program, and advanced landmark civil rights protections for millions of New Yorkers.
The Milestone Achievement Award recognizes alumni from milestone reunion classes for their lasting contributions to social work practice and social well-being. This year's recipients include Kent Burbank, AM'96; Mary K. Kaess, AM'71; Tessa Garcia McEwen, AM'16; and Lynne White-Dixon, AM'76.
Kent Burbank, AM'96, has built a career defined by a commitment to social justice, nonprofit leadership, and LGBTQ+ equality in Arizona. During the ceremony, Gorman-Smith said a nominator described him as "the embodiment of what it means to serve with heart, purpose, and humility."
Mary K. Kaess, AM'71, dedicated 36 years to Chicago Public Schools and more than five decades to strengthening the lives of children and families. Gorman-Smith praised her as someone who "has inspired generations of social workers as a mentor, field instructor and supervisor."
Tessa Garcia McEwen, AM'16, is a licensed clinical social worker at UChicago Medicine in the Department of Neurology's Quality of Life and Family Support Services, supporting individuals and families navigating Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other neurological conditions.
"A nominator said what sets her apart 'is her ability to connect with patients on a human level,'" Gorman-Smith said.
Lynne White-Dixon's, AM'76, nominator called her "a woman of remarkable energy and insight, a national expert with a passion for the profession and for social justice."
"Early in her career, Lynne was recognized as a rising star. For more than 40 years, Lynne White-Dixon has demonstrated leadership, compassion and innovation as a clinician, educator, mentor, and advocate," Gorman-Smith said.
The evening concluded with the Volunteer Leadership Award. Joanne Medak, AM'74, has spent more than four decades as a clinician supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families in private practice.
"Since 2015, Joanne has served on the Crown Family School Alumni Board, leading committees, making recommendations about new initiatives, recruiting new volunteers, and collaborating with other board members and students to elevate the school's profile in the community and social work profession," Gorman-Smith said.
The 2026 Alumni Awards reflect the depth and range of impact Crown Family School graduates continue to make across sectors, from clinical practice and public policy to advocacy, education, and community-based innovation.