PLU Department of Social Work

More highlights! If you have photos you would like posted, email them to Jeannette Shimko [email protected]

Behind the scenes 🎓

Last minute, pre-Commencement shirt making for seniors in Xavier…HAPPY GRADUATION!!!

“After serving in the Army, I wanted to continue serving in a different way. Returning to school gave me the opportunity to turn my lived experience into tools that allow me to support and advocate for others.” Eric Canel ‘26

Today, we’re celebrating all of our incredible graduating social work students and the impact they are already making in their communities. We are especially proud of BSW senior Eric Canel ’26, whose journey of service, identity, and community was recently featured in a beautiful story by Pacific Lutheran University. From serving in the Army to supporting youth and families through his practicum work, Eric exemplifies the compassion, resilience, and leadership we hope to cultivate in all of our graduates. Congratulations, Eric, and congratulations to the entire Class of 2026 — your futures are bright, and your communities are better because of you.

Read more about Eric’s story here:
https://www.plu.edu/news/archive/2026/04/10/social-work-senior-eric-canel-26/ (link also in our IG bio)

Good afternoon,

Request for Bid (RFB) for the Tacoma Fire Department (TFD) CARES Social Worker Practicum Program Advisor has been officially released. I appreciate the coordination and guidance each of you has provided throughout the development of this solicitation over the past few years. If you are of interest or willing to share among your networks of this opportunity, I would appreciate it greatly!

Submittal Deadline: 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time, Friday, May 29, 2026

Scope of Work: The City of Tacoma is seeking proposals from qualified Master Social Workers (MSW) to provide clinical supervision pursuant to RCW 18.225 and WAC 246‑809. The selected contractor will provide clinical oversight, consultation, and supervision for the Tacoma Fire Department’s CARES Program in alignment with the Washington State Board of Social Work’s professional standards.

The resulting contract will be awarded to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder based on price, product quality, and availability.

Full solicitation documents and additional information are available at the following link (can be found in our bio): https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/finance/procurement-and-payables-division/purchasing/contracting-opportunities/services-solicitations/

Please let me know if you require any further details.

Sincerely,
Marissa Laws

Another with the whole gang. 🖤💛🖤💛🎓

Today, our incredible seniors CRUSHED their capstone presentations!!!

Months of research, dedication, perseverance, and passion all came shining through, and wow… they truly knocked it out of the park. We are beyond impressed by the hard work, growth, and heart each of you poured into your projects.

In addition, 4 of our seniors presented their research once more and took the stage at the Dr. Rae Linda Brown Undergraduate Research and Creative Projects Showcase. Killed it!

To our seniors: congratulations on this amazing accomplishment! Your future is so bright, and we can’t wait to see all the incredible things you do next. 💙🎓