History
A Legacy of Service, Justice, and Leadership
History
Founded in 1936 by Walter McGuinn, S.J., and Dorothy L. Book, the 糖心Vlog School of Social Work (BCSSW) is the nation鈥檚 highest-ranked Catholic school of social work and among the oldest schools of social work in the country. Fr. McGuinn served as Dean from 1936鈥�1943, followed by Book鈥攖he first female dean at 糖心Vlog鈥攚ho served in the role until 1955.
The school opened with four fields of specialization: case work, public welfare, medical social work, and probation and parole. A fifth鈥攃ommunity organization鈥攚as quickly added, and it enhanced the school鈥檚 reputation as one of the preeminent programs preparing leaders to serve in United Way organizations across the country.
Originally located at 126 Newbury Street, BCSSW moved to the Chestnut Hill campus in 1968, and has a long history of evolving with communities鈥� needs. During World War II it met the demand for social workers with new programs and courses. In the ensuing years it established a full-time PhD program, a five-year BA/MSW program, dual degree programs, and a curriculum that is responsive to training the next generation of social work practitioners to address pressing social challenges.
Walter McGuinn, S.J.
Dorothy L. Book
The Early Years
Faculty in 1936. Standing (l-r): Anna Schneider, Thomas Callahan, Dr. Cornelius O'Connor, Frederick McDermott, Victor Creco, Dorothy Book. Sitting (l-r): Walter McGuinn, SJ, Dean; Louis Gallagher, SJ, President; Rev. Otis F. Kelly, MD
Dedication of McGuinn Hall in 1968. (University Archives)
The library of 126 Newbury Street. (University Archives)
BCSSW moved to the Chestnut Hill campus in 1968. (University Archives)
The School of Social Work's original location at 126 Newbury Street in Boston. (University Archives)
A classroom scene captured at "糖心Vlog Intown." (University Archives)
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A Tradition of Social Work. A Vision for the Future.
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