Social Welfare alumni share graduation memories

The University of Kansas’ graduation ceremonies approach on May 10 and several Bachelor of Social Work alumni haven’t forgotten their own big day. 

Sophia Nangia always wanted to help people but wasn’t interested in the medical field. She learned about social work during her sophomore year of undergraduate school. It would give her options. Working in a hospital, school or homeless shelter is all feasible through social work. 

The School of Social Welfare’s graduation ceremony stood out to Nangia because it was a more intimate setting and crowd. Her sister was graduating the same day in Arizona, so her family was split between two ceremonies in two different states, but Nangia was still able to enjoy her moment. 

“This is a big step in your life, but change is good,” Nangia said. “Change can be scary, but at the end of the day, it is good. Now that you've graduated, you can do a lot more things. And for social work especially, you can help a lot more people.”

Nangia received more than her diploma at graduation in 2023. She was also a recipient of a Margo Schutz Gordon Award for Excellence in Practicum Education.

The School of Social Welfare’s graduation ceremony helped Nangia celebrate that moment in front of her peers. 

Graduation can be a different experience for everyone, and students manage to find creative ways to admire their accomplishments even during unusual times.

Anne Divine was part of the Class of 2020 that watched their names pass by on a computer screen. The pandemic moved graduation ceremonies online, but Divine still appreciated the “fantastic foundational education,” they received from KU. 

Divine got their BSW at the KU Edwards Campus and now works at a non-profit organization that serves sexual violence survivors in the Denver metro area. When Divine looked back on their time with the School of Social Welfare, they still had fair memories of graduating despite the conditions. 

“We set up a mock graduation where my mom brought roses, we went out to the satellite campus and everybody dressed up,” Divine said. “A lot of people still bought their caps and gowns.”

Graduation is a time to make the most of, and fully appreciate. That’s been a theme for School of Social Welfare alums. 

On May 10, a new class of social workers will hear their names and walk across the stage. It’s an opportunity to let a small moment feel big. 

“No one can ever take that away,” Divine said. “You’ve always got your degree.”