In early April, the UW-Madison School of Social Work awarded Department of Workforce Development(DWD) Secretary Roberta Gassman the 2010 Distinguished Alumni Award at the Waisman Center.
Wisconsin Governor Jim Doyle and UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin were among speakers who paid tribute to Gassman.
A member of the governor's cabinet since 2003, Gassman has led efforts to strengthen Wisconsin's workforce and meet the needs of job seekers, working families and employers.
Gassman has also led the governor's s efforts to expand career pathways for low-wage workers, raise the minimum wage and help train workers for emerging industries such as energy, advanced manufacturing and health care.
Now, as the nation begins to emerge from its worst recession in decades, she is active in preparing job seekers for future employment opportunities.
As part of the Distinguished Alumni Award, the School of Social Work is establishing the Roberta Gassman School of Social Work Opportunities Fund and the Roberta Gassman Distinguished Lecture Series.
At the secretary's request, the fund will support social work policy research, programs that address poverty and the needs of people with disabilities, and the recruitment and retention of students of color and student achievement awards.
Gassman, a native of Evanston, Illinois, has lived in Madison since coming to the UW-Madison in 1966. She earned her B.A. in social work, with distinction, and her M.S.S.W. in 1972, also from UW-Madison.