SUNY Fredonia senior Emily Benedict was selected as the National Association of Social Work NYS Western Division’s Student of the Year at the organization’s annual award luncheon on March 3.
Benedict, a native of Silver Creek, is graduating from Fredonia this May and plans on continuing her education at the University of Buffalo’s School of Social Work. The judges indicated that she stood out because she has a 3.97 GPA and showed campus leadership skills by taking a leadership role in the campus’ suicide prevention program in Chautauqua County this year.
Benedict is currently performing her field study work with Chautauqua Tapestry, a system of care for children and youth with a Severe Emotional Disturbance (SED). The organization enhances the county’s system of care for children that have emotional and behavior challenges. Its support services are designed to help both children and families with their challenges.
“The greatest impact on my success has been the support of my family, especially my husband, Michael, as well as the support and guidance of the incredible social work faculty here at Fredonia including Dr. Brian Masciadrelli, Dr. Mary Carney and Dr. Rolanda Ward,” says Benedict. “One doesn’t learn in isolation, and I couldn’t have been as successful as I’ve been without my instructors and fellow social work students from whom I have learned and continue to learn every day.”
Three other students received the same award in the NASW-NY Western Division. To learn more about SUNY Fredonia's Social Work program or this award, contact Dr. Ward at Rolanda.Ward@fredonia.edu.
