The two prestigious undergraduate awards are named in honor of Taylene Watson, MSW and Dr. Madeline L. Lovell, two late pioneers in the field of social work.

Jo Bechtold: Taylene Watson, MSW Social Justice Award

Jo was nominated by faculty and her peers for her notable social justice organizing and leadership while at SU. Jo’s activism efforts were channeled through several groups: White Students Against Racism, Ignite the Mission, and Students for Economic Justice; and as a fellow with the national organization Young People For. Jo’s practicum placement was at the King County Office of Public Defense providing legal mitigation for low-income community members.

Jo will be attending Seattle University's Master in Social Work Advanced Standing Program in the fall with the career goal to work as a legal mitigator for persons with low incomes.

Emily Pacunski: Madeline Lovell Academic Excellence Award

Emily is graduating summa cum laude with double degrees in Social Work and Criminal Justice. Her exemplar academic achievements compliment her wonderful collegial spirit. Emily was placed at Goodwill Industries for her field practicum. Emily will be returning to SU in the fall to pursue her Master in Social Work in the Advanced Standing Program with a focus on trauma-informed treatment.