2023 Social Justice Awards

In commemoration of National Professional Social Work Month during March, the School of Social Work in Falk College presents its annual Dan and Mary Lou Rubenstein Social Justice Award program. This year, the program “Empowering Communities Through Advocacy: Leadership at the State and Local Level,” honors the Hon. Rachel May, NY State Senator for the 48th District, and the Hon. Sharon Owens, Deputy Mayor of Syracuse.

Presented for more than 30 years, the Rubenstein Social Justice Award is given in honor of the late professor Dan Rubenstein, a former faculty member in the School of Social Work and his late wife, Mary Lou, a former school social worker. Recipients of this award are role models whose courage and strength inspire others to stand up—and step up—to advocate and be a voice in the Syracuse community. The values of social justice are integral to their daily lives. The work of honorees each year, by their individual and collective examples, exemplify the true spirit of the Rubenstein Social Justice Award.

Master of Ceremonies:
George Kilpatrick, Host, Inspiration for the Nation

Award Recipients:
Hon. Rachel May, NY State Senator (attending virtually)
Hon. Sharon Owens, Deputy Major, Syracuse, NY