BRADFORD, Pa. – The University of Pittsburgh at Bradford Master of Social Work Alumni Network celebrated its 10^th annual Pamela J. Cousins Excellence in Social Work award Friday, honoring clinical social worker and therapist Jennifer Moore of Kane.

Moore was nominated by her fellow alumna Cassie Kreckel of St. Marys for her endeavors in clinical social work practice, teaching, and mentoring. In her nomination, Kreckel said, “We all enter this field hoping to make a real difference in people’s lives. Jennifer embodies that hope. She consistently strives to help her clients, her students, and her fellow social workers grow and become the best versions of themselves.”

In her acceptance remarks, Moore described feeling “deeply honored and incredibly grateful.” While reflecting on her time as a student, Moore recognized the support and camaraderie with her cohort colleagues and the members of the Pitt-Bradford MSW Program teaching faculty – a small community that both she and Kreckel have since joined.

Before the award reception, the Pitt-Bradford MSW Program, in co-sponsorship with the Trauma Informed Coalition of Cattaraugus County, N.Y., held a professional development workshop, “Historical Trauma and Cultural Resilience: Understanding the Intergenerational Impact of Indian Residential Boarding Schools.” This learning experience was facilitated by Pete Hill, citizen of the Cayuga Nation, Heron Clan, and special initiatives coordinator for the Native American Community Services of Erie and Niagara Counties, Inc.

During and after the workshop, Tyrone Bowen-Collateta, head coach of the Pitt-Bradford women’s lacrosse team, sold orange T-shirts as a fundraiser for the Orange Shirt Society and in recognition of Orange Shirt Day/Every Child Matters that centers intergenerational impacts of Indian residential schools.

Since 2002, the Pitt-Bradford MSW Program has provided interested individuals in the Twin Tiers region with the opportunity to complete their graduate social work degree in-person on a part-time structure.

In 2024, the Pitt-Bradford MSW Program welcomed its final cohort. The program will be discontinued upon their graduation in December 2027. Moving forward, those interested in completing their MSW may now secure their Pitt degree from anywhere, online. For information about the new online MSW Program at the Pitt School of Social Work, please go to https://www.socialwork.pitt.edu/admissions