June 2014

Dr. Rebecca Chopp

18th Chancellor University of Denver

Photo courtesy of: University of Denver

The University of Denver announced today, June 12, 2014 that the 18th Chancellor of the University of Denver is Dr. Rebecca Chopp.

Dr. Chopp comes to DU from from Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania where she has served as President since 2009 and will join the University of Denver community as Chancellor on September 1, 2014 as the first female chancellor of the university.

More information about Dr. Chopp’s appointment as Chancellor and her professional background can be viewed online: http://www.du.edu/chancellor-search/index.html and/or by reading her interview with the DU Magazine: http://magazine.du.edu/campus-community/university-of-denver-names-rebecca-chopp-president-of-swarthmore-as-18th-chancellor/

The Graduate School of Social Work looks forward to welcoming Dr. Chopp to campus tomorrow and again in the coming months. For more information on tomorrows events at the Anderson Academic Commons please visit: http://www.du.edu/chancellor-search/index.html.

Photo courtesy of: Andrew Steward

Current MSW student Andrew Steward is helping to fight the stigma around mental illness in unique ways.

Originally coming to DU as a music student, and graduating with his Bachelors in Music Steward is going to graduate this week from the Graduate School of Social Work with his Master of Social Work (MSW) degree.

Recently featured in the DU magazine Steward shared: “I feel like ever since I’ve been at DU I have been empowered more,” says Steward, who received a BA in music at DU before being accepted to the social work school. “I’m not just living under this cloud of stigma, but I really do feel more empowered to more confidently share my experiences and my story for the benefit of helping others who are still under that cloud or even really suffering like I was at one time.” Quote from DU Magazine article

Not only has Steward fought mental illness in his personal life he also reached out to the global community by sharing his story on the TED stage. In 2011, Steward joined the TedXDU to share his story about mental illness and help to bring a unique perspective around mental illness and the stigma that society places on individuals who have a mental illness. Please watch his entire TedxTalk by visiting: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyQxQ7KaU1s.

Steward was honored with the National Council for Behavioral Health’s Inspiring Hope Award, which recognizes individuals who have shown extraordinary tenacity in battling serious mental illness. This award was awarded in Washington D.C. in May 2014, and received a $10,000 grant which he is donating to the BringChange2Mind.

GSSW, the University of Denver, and the Lamont School of Music congratulate Steward on his accomplishments and see a bright future for him in making a difference in our community.

Congratulations Andrew!