Good afternoon. At this time, I ask Paula Singer, Chair of the Board, and Dr. Barbara Solomon to join me at the podium.
As members of the Walden community, we believe that knowledge is most valuable when put to use for the greater good. Our students, alumni, and faculty are committed to improving the human and social condition by creating and applying ideas to promote the development of individuals, communities, and organizations, as well as society as a whole.
Dr. Barbara Solomon, Professor Emerita of the School of Social Work at the University of Southern California, and long-time member of the Walden University Board of Directors, epitomizes this vision. Prior to receiving her doctoral degree, Dr. Solomon had been employed as a clinical social worker in outpatient and inpatient health and mental health settings. She has published widely with an emphasis on the delivery of social and mental health services to underrepresented minority populations. Her book, Black Empowerment: Social Work in Oppressed Communities, is considered a landmark publication introducing the concept of empowerment as a framework for social work practice.
Dr. Solomon’s research and publication of services to minority populations has gained international recognition and she has presented invited papers at international conferences all around the world. She has received numerous honors for her involvement in the community including the Rosa Parks Award from the Los Angeles Chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.
In addition to these achievements, Dr. Solomon has been an invaluable member of the Walden University Board of Directors for the past 15 years. In her time on the Board, she has demonstrated her commitment to our mission and her dedication to our students, faculty, and staff. And we are truly fortunate that she will continue this service as we go forward. If it can be said of anyone, Dr. Solomon – Barbara – is truly the conscience of our community.
Director Singer, on behalf of Walden University, I am enormously proud to nominate Dr. Barbara Solomon for the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, Honoris Causa.