Barber, Carlson and Giddings recognized as 2021 CEHD Distinguished Alumni
Three School of Social Work alumni were recognized at the College of Education and Human Development’s Distinguished Alumni Awards event on November 18th, 2021 at McNamara Alumni Center, honoring alumni throughout CEHD who have brought distinction to their professions and communities. Marion Barber, Jr. (BA ’17) was honored the Distinguished Alumni Award, and Juliana Carlson (PhD ’13) and K Giddings (MSW ’04) were both honored the Alumni Society Award of Excellence. We congratulate them, and all 2021 distinguished alumni!
Marion Barber, Jr. (left) is a mentor, educator and role model to students of all ages. In the late 1970s, Marion was a Gopher football standout, becoming the all-time leader in rushing yardage and touchdowns before spending eight years with the NFL and then starting a business career in the Twin Cities. A few years ago, he reached a new goal to finish his education by earning his bachelor’s degree in Youth Studies at the age of 57. He was working at Armstrong High School as an intern, and decided to follow the advice he gave to students to persevere and get a degree. In 2020, he went even further and earned a Master’s in Education and Leadership from Concordia College. Marion continued at Armstrong as a special education assistant and assistant football coach until last summer, and now works with the Wayzata school district and A+ Driving School.
Juliana Carlson (center) was nominated by former CEHD Social Work Professor Liz Lightfoot, who was her PhD program advisor. Juliana is an Associate Professor at the University of Kansas School of Social Welfare. Her research focuses on how to best engage men in ending gender-based violence, including examining the ways that organizations work with men to determine the best methods and approaches. One line of her research looks at the transition to fatherhood as a potential early intervention point in preventing intimate partner violence. Juliana is an example of an engaged scholar whose research and community service are closely intertwined. Her unique focus has significantly contributed to the field, and her expertise has led to her service on university, local, and statewide task forces and boards, including the Kansas Governor’s Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board.
K Giddings (center) was nominated by CEHD alum Jan Ormasa. She has a Master’s of Social Work and is working on a certificate in Pk-12 Administration. She is currently a school social worker at Falcon Ridge Middle School, after spending 13 years with the Hopkins public schools. In her role, she supports students with mental health issues and their families, collaborates with school staff to facilitate their understanding and knowledge about mental health and how it impacts students, and helps build capacities and skills related to equity across the school community. K appreciates recognition of people quietly working hard on behalf of students and families, because it highlights their impact on the educational system and the lives of youth.
Photos: Jayme Halbritter Photography