USC CIR – USC

Second MSW alum appointed to California Veterans Board

by Lilledeshan Bose

Carla J. Thornton had always been involved in community work, but it took being part of a class on community organizing to change her life. The light bulb moment came while she was obtaining her master’s in social work at the University of Southern California. “I realized I could do social work at the macro level and directly impact individuals,” she said.

On Feb. 11, Thornton MSW ’12 — who is the associate director of development for the University of California Riverside College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences — was appointed to the California Veterans Board, which advocates […]

Veteran finds purpose in military social work

by Miranda Mazariegos

Joshua Pena’s dream had always been to pursue higher education.

Although it was briefly put on hold when he joined the military, he is now close to achieving his goal of earning a master’s degree at the USC School of Social Work, focusing on children, youth and families, and military social work.

The Gary Sinise Scholarship recipient wants to translate his passion for serving others into a career closing the gap between veterans and civilians—especially among military families.

But the road here was not always smooth for Pena.

After high school, Pena enrolled at Fullerton College in California. Mounting family issues a […]

Second MSW alum appointed to California Veterans Board

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Veteran finds purpose in military social work

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