On May 2, 2025, the Graduate College of Social Work (GCSW) at the University of Houston hosted the 20th Annual Phi Alpha Honor Society Mu Lambda Chapter Honoree Induction Dinner at the Rockwell Pavilion inside the UH M.D. Anderson Library. The evening marked two decades of celebrating academic excellence, service, and leadership in social work—and this year’s celebration was especially poignant, featuring a heartfelt retirement tribute, the induction of new members, and the welcoming of GCSW’s incoming dean.

The evening began with opening remarks by Faculty Advisor, Dr. Patrick Leung, setting a tone of pride and reflection. The ceremony was particularly notable as it included the first formal remarks by Dr. Yarneccia Dyson, incoming Dean of the Graduate College of Social Work, who offered a warm welcome and keynote address. Her presence symbolized a moment of transition and new beginnings for the college.

Honoring Service and Leadership

One of the evening’s most moving segments was the presentation of Honorary Phi Alpha Memberships, recognizing outstanding contributions to social work and the GCSW community. Limor Smith, Phi Alpha President, presented the honorary inductions to:

• Dr. Sharon Borja, whose research and teaching have helped center racial equity and trauma-informed practice in social work education.
• Ann Liberman, whose steadfast leadership and support of GCSW programs have left a lasting institutional impact.

Their inclusion into Phi Alpha’s honorary ranks is a testament to their dedication to social work values and excellence.

A Fond Farewell to Dr. Susan P. Robbins

The ceremony also served as a moment of reflection and gratitude, as attendees honored the retirement of Dr. Susan P. Robbins, a pillar of the GCSW community. With a distinguished career dedicated to ethics, substance use research, and student mentorship, Dr. Robbins leaves behind a legacy that will resonate for generations. Her contributions were recognized with deep appreciation and admiration from faculty, staff, and students alike. Dr. Robbins will conclude her remarkable 45-year journey at the GCSW in August 2025.

Recognizing Academic Achievement

Continuing the night’s focus on student success, Dr. Amber Mollhagen offered inspiring remarks before the presentation of the 2025 Phi Alpha Scholarship Awards, with awards distributed by Wendy Cooper and Charmaine Queiroga. This year’s recipients—Elisabeth Adams, Ashlyn Bimmerle, Kathryn Melton, and Janiya Shelton—were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements, leadership, and commitment to service.

Each of these scholars has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to the values of social work and a deep investment in community impact. Their selection reflects not only academic excellence but also the heart of social work advocacy in action.

Welcoming the Next Generation

The Phi Alpha Board then presented and inducted the newest cohort of Phi Alpha members—students who exemplify the society’s core principles of scholarship, leadership, and service. Their induction marks a milestone in their social work journey and serves as a reminder of the promise and potential held within the next generation of change-makers.

The evening concluded with a brief Phi Alpha Business Meeting, led by President Limor Smith, reflecting on the chapter’s accomplishments over the past year and previewing goals for the future.

A Night to Remember

The 20th Annual Phi Alpha Honoree Induction Dinner was more than a celebration—it was a call to leadership, a moment of gratitude, and a reflection on the transformative power of social work. As students, faculty, and alumni gathered in shared recognition of service, scholarship, and commitment, the night stood as a powerful reminder of the community that defines GCSW.

In her welcome, Dr. Dyson reminded the audience that the work of social justice is never finished—and that gatherings like these are essential to reminding us why we do what we do. As GCSW enters a new chapter under her leadership, and as Phi Alpha continues to grow in strength and legacy, the evening served as both a milestone and a promise: that the future of social work is bright, and that its torchbearers are ready.

2025 Phi Alpha Honor Society Induction Dinner photos.