"Distinguished guests, faculty, staff, family and friends, and most importantly, our graduating class of social work students, welcome. Today, we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our graduates who have worked tirelessly to achieve their degrees in social work.
As members of the School of Social Work, you have chosen a field that is both challenging and rewarding. You have learned the skills and knowledge to be effective agents of change in our communities, and to advocate for those who are marginalized and oppressed. You have studied the intricacies of human behavior, the complexities of social systems, and the ways in which these systems interact to create opportunities and barriers for individuals and communities.
You have also been challenged to look at your own biases, privilege and how you can use them for
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Your passion for social justice and your drive to make a difference in the world is evident in the work you have done in your field placements and in your coursework. You have been challenged to think creatively and to push the boundaries of what is possible in the field of social work.
As you leave here today and embark on the next chapter of your lives, I urge you to continue to use the skills and knowledge you have gained to create positive change in the world. Remember that the work of social justice is never done, and that it is up to each and every one of us to be agents of change. You have been given the tools and the knowledge to be leaders in the field of social work, but it is up to you to use them to make a difference.
I want to remind you that this is not the end of your education, but only the beginning. The world is constantly changing and you will be required to continue learning, growing and adapting. The field of social work is constantly evolving and you must be open to new ideas, perspectives and ways of