David Cockman '99
"After a lot of research, I decided to pursue a degree in Social Work at Niagara University.  I looked at the educational program here and at other schools.  I decided on Niagara University for several reasons.  The support is here is unbelievable, not only faculty but even down to the administrative staff.  They made me feel at home and took really good care of me.  I live in Canada so to have one of the top social work schools in my area was certainly my good luck.  Niagara University is a name that truly creates opportunities for you and it lives up to its reputation as one of the most respected undergraduate social work program in the Nation." 

"My experience at Niagara University continues to be a wonderful one and has been the catalyst for my ongoing education.  I have since completed my Master of Social Work at McMaster University in Canada and I am going to go on and attempt to fulfill a lifetime goal of mine, a doctorate.  That is directly in relation to a positive experience I've had here with the faculty.  They've really inspired and given me the confidence I needed to further complete my studies."

Katie Adams '03

My Experience with the Social Work Department:
Niagara University’s social work department always challenged me as a student while providing me with great opportunities. As a freshman the “Learn & Serve” program not only exposed me to agencies but also allowed me to explore the agencies and their populations from many angles. There were often papers that forced me to ask, “why do I want to study social work” and consequently I became more self-aware. Through my years there were numerous conferences that I attended and even presented at! The culmination of my studies at NU involved doing research with one of my professors to aid an agency in gauging the success of their services. Overall, the social work department provided good role models of successful social workers and provided the skills necessary to follow in their footsteps.

Combining Social Work and Law:
This is a progressive combination of academics and is actually my current line of study at the University at Buffalo. Niagara does not have pre-law as a degree but does offer it as a minor. I was able to get a taste of law classes while completing my B.S.W.. Many law schools and graduate schools offer the J.D./M.S.W. dual degree and because of the advanced standing status granted by Niagara University’s department I can complete both degrees in only three years and a summer. Plus, I am prepared for both graduate school and law school from my years at Niagara.

Campus Life
Participating in NCAA DI Athletics

There have been a wide variety of athletes in the social work department. In my class alone there was a lacrosse player, a swimmer and myself a cross-country runner. Other past athletes have been softball players, soccer players and basketball players. I found that numerous social work assignments lent themselves well to exploring team dynamics, roles and even my place as a conflict mediator. My class work became practice in my life as a student athlete. The teachers always understood if I had to miss class for competition and made themselves available to help me catch up outside of the classroom. I even had time left over to work part-time and serve as president of the Phi Alpha Social Work Honor Society.

Toni Thompson '03

Choosing a college is one of the most important decisions you will make as a young adult.  When it came time for me to choose, I knew that I wanted to attend a University where I was not ignored due to large class sizes.  I wanted my professors to remember without looking at the roster.  I also needed an environment which allowed me to stay focused.  Being from New York City I know how wonderful it is to have the world at your fingertips twenty-four hours a day, but I also know that this can be an extreme distraction for a young person who is getting their first taste of independence.  The serene setting and relaxed atmosphere provided by Niagara Falls, allows a student to relax and focus on school.  The final factor which pushed me to stay at Niagara University was the social work department’s faculty.  The social work department, in my opinion houses the most compassionate, dedicated group of faculty throughout the entire university.  In many universities it is difficult, if not nearly impossible to meet with your professors one on one, whether it be to discuss class, or express personal concerns.  At Niagara this is not the case.  The doors to the social work department are always open.  Even now as an alumnus I feel confident I can contact any of my professors and discuss a variety of issues.  They are concerned with my future plans, and want to help me achieve my goals in any way they can. If I had the chance to choose a university all over again, I would make the same decision.  Niagara University was the best choice I could have made, and the friends I made will be with me for a lifetime.  I will be attending grad school at Long Island University for Public Administration in Fall 2003.