Anita Curry-Jackson presents the first Mit Joyner award to Mit Joyner

It started in clouds and rain, and in little knots of mutual assistance groups helping each other to find the way from the airport and to grieve the disappointing election results. It ended in sun and blue sky. In between conference attendees experienced the usual BPD fare: great food, great entertainment, and a chance to renew old friendships while making new friends.

This year's conference boasted almost 1000 attendees, with a dynamic student conference paralleling and sometimes interacting with the offerings for faculty. Attendees were treated to an exhibition of Native American dancing and a very entertaining Motown groove.

Senator Stabenow and CSWE Director Julia Watkins

Wednesday the fifth annual preconference "Excellence in Leadership" workshops were filled to capacity. As only one example of the many innovations in preconference workshops, the new orientation for field directors was expanded to fill the entire day, boasting nine presenters.

The Thursday sessions began with the first of several "roadstops." Julia Watkins, executive director of CSWE, outlined five challenges for social work educators, including financial stresses on most of our campuses and the proliferation of social work programs. She ended her roadstop speech with an appeal to continue expanding the vision of social work to include the global community.

Mit Joyner presents the Ron Federico Lecture

Ron Federico Lecture recipient Mit Joyner exhorted attendees to market the profession to compete with the proliferation of other non-professional human service providers. Later that day, Ms. Joyner received the first Mit Joyner Award for her untiring work advancing the cause of gerontology in undergraduate social work education.

Friday's program boasted non-stop sessions on topics ranging from stress management to licensure. The regional meetings were great times to connect with neighbors, and attendance ranged from absolutely overflowing and out into the hall (Midwest region) to very sparse (Western region). Friday evening's program and banquet featured the presentation of the NASW National Public Elected Official Award by organization President Gary Bailey. The recipient was Michigan Senator Debbie Stabenow, MSW. Senator Stabenow challenged the enthusiastic crowd to keep hope alive and get involved in the political process.

Patti Gibbs presents the first Jim Wahlberg award to Thomas Singleton

One clear theme through the conference this year was "evidence-based practice." Among those presenting in sessions on the topic, Robert Kersting outlined a clear connection between critical thinking and EBP, while Joan Levy-Zlotnik and others gave an overview of EBP at the national level. There remains much speculation as to EBP's definition and implementation in the curriculum.

Saturday began with the President's Address, in which Anita Curry-Jackson played with the roadway metaphor, emphasizing milestones on the road to visibility. Another day of sessions included Ferris State University's simply riveting Jim Crow Museum of Racist Memorabilia.

Thomas Singleton's $50,000 Check

The final full-conference get together was the Saturday Recognition Luncheon. This was BPD's opportunity to recognize its own. This year ten faculty and directors were singled out for the honor. Those at the luncheon also recognized Thomas W. Singleton, BPD's first Jim Wahlberg Scholar. Mr. Singleton also received a full scholarship to Michigan State University.




The conference ended with warm good-byes and promises to meet again next year in Austin, Texas.

See you there!