As it is my final semester at Penn State, I would like to thank the department that is responsible for making my undergraduate academic career very fulfilling.

Dr. Sheldon Gelman, Dr. Cathy Siebold, Dr. Allan Brawley, and Dr. Emilia Martinez-Brawley, who comprise the social work department, should be commended for creating a learning environment that is non-threatening, is non-stifling, and welcomes people from a variety of different backgrounds.

These professors of social work have demonstrated their excellence both inside and outside of the classroom. They have always been willing to commit the added time and energy necessary to be more than professors; they have been mentors to many students.

I believe that I can speak for my classmates in saying that we have been granted the autonomy, encouragement and support we need to learn and grow with our profession.

Additionally, students of social work have always been respected as individuals. The professors of the social work department have been conscious of our individual strengths and weaknesses and sensitive to our differences.

This sensitivity is reflected, not only in the way students and professors interact, but is also reflected in our course content. At a time when "diversity" seems to be a buzzword for Penn State, few departments may be credited with such open discussion of differences (and similarities) in sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation and physical and mental capacities.

This consciousness and sensitivity permeates all social work classes and is responsible for an educational experience that more holistic than many others in the social sciences.

It has been a job well done by Dr. Gelman, Dr. Siebold, Dr. Brawley and Dr. Martinez-Brawley. As a member of the Academic Diversity Awareness Project (ADAPT) and as a social work student, I would like to thank you for a most satisfying educational experience.