Lifting As We Climb
Celebrating the GCSW's Spring 2026 Commencement
The Heart of the GCSW
The GCSW is more than an academic institution—it is a community bound by a shared commitment to service, social justice, and the pursuit of excellence. This year’s commencement was a testament to the collective spirit of faculty, staff, students, alumni, and the broader Houston community. Dean Yarneccia D. Dyson called her first commencement ceremony as UH GCSW Dean to order with warmth and gratitude, welcoming graduates, their families, friends, supporters, and alumni to the 57th Commencement of the GCSW.
“Commencement is our most significant event as an academic community,” Dean Dyson remarked, “It is a special occasion for each of our graduates, their families, and friends who have come to share this day with them. The road you traveled was not a singular journey, but one with others. Many of the people who supported your journey are here today.”
Faculty and staff were also recognized for their unwavering commitment to academic excellence and compassionate mentorship. Their guidance, teaching, and support were celebrated as foundational to the graduates’ success. The ceremony also honored the families whose love, encouragement, and sacrifices made this milestone possible—their applause echoing the gratitude of the entire GCSW community.
Honoring Diversity and Leadership
The GCSW’s strength lies in its diversity and leadership of its students. Graduates were acknowledged for completing Focused Learning Opportunities (FLOs) in areas such as Nonprofit Leadership, Political Social Work, Global Leaders of Behavioral Health Education (GLOBE), Trauma Education, and Action Research. Student organizations—including the Association of Asian American Social Workers, Association for Black Social Workers, Disability Liberation Collective, Latinx Student Association, and many more—were applauded for their contributions to the college, community, and profession.
Student leaders, ambassadors, and cohort communicators were recognized for their advocacy and service, embodying the values of cooperative leadership and community engagement. The ceremony highlighted the breadth of student involvement, reflecting the GCSW’s commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion, empowerment, and social change.
Awards of Excellence
Each year, the GCSW honors individuals who exemplify exceptional character, leadership, and service. The Outstanding Student Awards recognized MSW Hybrid, Online, Face-to-Face, and PhD students for their excellence and commitment to community building. Staff and faculty were also awarded for their outstanding friendship, support, teaching, and advocacy. Practicum instructors, whose mentorship shapes the next generation of social workers, were celebrated, with Erick Rainoseck named Outstanding Practicum Instructor of the Year.
Spirit of Social Work: Honoring Sylvia K. Brooks
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of the Spirit of Social Work Award and the UH Alumni Association Honorary Alumnus Award to Sylvia K. Brooks, affectionately known as Ms. B. Her remarks resonated deeply with the audience, reflecting a lifetime of leadership, community collaboration, and unwavering commitment to social work.
Ms. Brooks’ legacy includes founding the Third Ward Community Cloth Cooperative, an “organization of organizations” dedicated to improving outcomes for children and families in Houston’s Third Ward. Her involvement as adjunct faculty, practicum instructor, advisory council participant, and community collaborator has enriched the GCSW and inspired countless students.
“Recipients of this award embody UH’s Core Values: Innovation, Collaboration, and Resilience,” Dean Dyson noted. “Ms. B’s deep commitment to social work and the GCSW has benefited our college and community in immeasurable ways."
The Ceremony: Rituals and Reflections
The conferral of degrees was the heart of the evening. The platform party, including Provost Diane Z. Chase, Associate Dean Quenette Walton, and Associate Dean McClain Sampson, were introduced and honored for their leadership
As each doctoral and master’s candidate was presented, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. The ceremony included a poignant moment honoring Carmen Luz Aguero Mijares, who was posthumously awarded the MSW degree. Her family accepted the degree and a plaque of remembrance, underscoring the GCSW’s compassion and commitment to honoring every journey.
Looking Forward: Lift As You Climb
As graduates embark on their next chapter, Dean Dyson encouraged them to carry forward the principle of “Lift As You Climb”— to use their knowledge, voice, and position to uplift others and create pathways for those who will follow. The GCSW community, now expanded by over 250 MSW graduates and five new PhDs, stands ready to respond to the evolving challenges facing society with skill, compassion, and leadership.
GO COOGS!
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