February 2015
Optimistic People Have Healthier Hearts, Study Finds

People who have upbeat outlooks on life have significantly better cardiovascular health, suggests a new study that examined associations between optimism and heart health in more than 5,100 adults.

"Individuals with the highest levels of optimism have twice the odds of being in ideal cardiovascular health compared to their more pessimistic counterparts," said lead author Rosalba Hernandez, assistant professor of social work at the University of Illinois. "This association remains significant, even after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and poor mental health."

Read about this study

We are proud to share that this study has received unprecedented coverage in the media. It has been shared by over 125 news organizations, publications and blogs world-wide, including:
  • Time Magazine
  • CBS News
  • NPR
  • Shape Magazine
  • Huffpost
  • PBS Newshour
  • Tech Times
  • Telemundo
  • Psychology Today
  • The Dr. Oz Show
Downing Receives Martin Luther King Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award

Ruppert Downing, MSW 1966 and retired University of Illinois social work professor, got to meet Martin Luther King Jr. when he was just a teenager attending the segregated Phenix High School in Hampton, Va.

 

On January 16th, 2015, Downing received the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award at the 14th Annual countywide celebration held in the civil rights icon's honor.

 

Read story

 

Henry Luce Foundation Approves Grant to Enhance the 'Communication and Dissemination of International Service-Learning in US Institutions of Higher Education'

Benjamin J. Lough, assistant professor of social work, is serving as the principal investigator on this award. Dr. Lough also serves as director of quantitative research with globalsl.org, which is the primary method through which the communication on international service learning will be developed and disseminated.

Read story
Community Learning Lab Stats and Highlights
CLL Continues to Provide Transformative Learning Experiences For Students Across Campus 

Last semester, the CLL reached beyond the scope of social work students, engaging a multitude of University of Illinois students from disciplines including: College of Business, College of Media, College of Medicine, Department of Statistics, English Department, College of Education, and the Psychology Department. In addition to these cross campus partnerships, the CLL worked with Rantoul Township High School, City of Champaign, The Pavilion, and Champaign Unit 4 School District.  

Project Highlight:

Students from Social Work 461- Professional Practice Seminar, assisted the Illini Hillel - Cohen Center for Jewish Life by helping the agency receive grant support from the Avi Schaffer Foundation. This grant will help create a student-organized discussion group about Israel that gives stipends and educational support to its participants.

The CLL looks forward to the 2015-2016 academic year with assistance from the University of Illinois Office of Public Engagement.  
Social Work Students Pitch at SocialFuse

On January 28, 2015, students from across campus, along with School of Social Work students, Kyra Mitchell and Chelsea Fry presented at SocialFuse. The event was held at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts.

SocialFuse is a reoccurring pitching and networking event that brings together students from a variety of majors and backgrounds and fuses them together through their skills, ideas, and entrepreneurial passion.  The event begins with a round of short pitching and idea sharing presentations followed by informal networking.
School Seeks Adjunct Instructors/Lecturers
The School of Social Work is soliciting part-time adjunct instructor/lecturers for the BSW and MSW programs to teach one or two classes per semester.

Courses may be scheduled on-campus in Urbana, throughout the state of Illinois, or online. We are seeking instructor/lecturers for AY 15-16 (Summer 2015, Fall 2015, Spring 2016).

For complete information on duties, responsibilities and requirements, visit our website. To ensure full consideration complete applications must be submitted by March 15, 2015.

        
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IN THIS ISSUE
Optimistic People Have Healthier Hearts, Study Finds
Alum Receives Martin Luther King Jr. Outstanding Achievement Award
Grant to Enhance International Service Learning
Community Learning Lab Stats and Highlights
Social Work Students Pitch at SocialFuse
School Seeks Adjunct Instructors/Lecturers

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