UNE celebrates 25 years of success in social work with community event

The University of New England School of Social Work is celebrating its 25th year of transforming lives with a unique community event on Friday, June 26, 2015 in the Parker Pavilion on UNE’s Portland Campus.

At 1:30 p.m. Kevin Mannix, former WCSH6 weatherman, and his wife Linda Rota, a local social worker, will discuss topics from their new book, “Weathering Shame.” Their discussion will include sharing stories of the pair’s journey and personal experiences with shame and social stigma.

The event continues at 3 p.m. with a performance by Maine Inside Out. This organization, based in Portland, collaborates with current and formerly incarcerated individuals to create and share original theater, both inside and outside of correctional facilities. Its aim is to serve as a catalyst for social change and to help eliminate the stigmas associated with incarceration. The performance will be followed by a reception at 5 p.m.

“This is a great opportunity for alumni and members of the community to come together and celebrate a program that has been improving the quality of life for individuals for the past 25 years,” commented Amber Windler, associate director for alumni advancement.

Certificates of completed contact hours will be available for licensed social workers at the event.

To register for the event, please visit alumni.une.edu/SSW25. For more information, please contact Amber Windler at awindler@une.edu.