School of Social Work Alumni Association Board President Kate Genut, LCSW-C, MSW '70, along with her grandson Sammy.

MEET YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION!

Mrs. Kate L. Genut, LCSW-C, MSW '70

What is your fondest memory or most lasting lesson from your time at the University of Maryland School of Social Work?

My lasting lessons from my two years at the School of Social Work were via the exceptional teaching abilities and vast knowledge of three professors.  Harriet Trader taught me how to understand the etiology of human behavior and development as well as how to take a good history. She was unbeatable as a vibrant, energetic yet stern teacher. Ruth Young, an advocate for all children, introduced me to our neediest and most helpless population.  Her dedication to children’s rights and the needs and well being of all children paved the way for me in my work with children and adolescents. Last but certainly not least is Len Press.  Mr. Press gave me my first glimpse into the world of family therapy and he served as my enduring role model for what it means to be a therapist.  I am indebted to these three master teachers who, through their dedication and commitment to teaching and service, passed down their vast knowledge and expertise in each of their fields.  In my 38 years of practicing social work, their teachings, as well as their commitment to the human spirit, have been a lasting guide for me.

What are you doing now?

After working 15 years at (what was formerly called) the University of Maryland Psychiatric Institute in Adult and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry; teaching at the University of Maryland Medical School; and being a field supervisor for the School; I  joined the ranks of private practice. Since 1985, I have been working privately with families, couples, and adolescents.  I also supervise social workers part time. In my spare time, I jet between Tel Aviv, Los Angeles, and Atlanta visiting my children and playing with my ten grandchildren.

What are your hopes for the future of the University of Maryland School of Social Work?

That is a tough question as I have not been involved in any major way with the School of Social Work.   But, I do have high hopes that under the leadership and direction of our new and well respected dean, Richard Barth, our School will have increased visibility and broader recognition as a prominent training facility for new and developing social workers. I think that on our Baltimore campus we should have greater visibility and connection with the other professional schools.  Social workers should be involved in the teaching of human behavior and doctor patient relationships to future doctors, dentists, nurses, and lawyers. I believe that there is no professional better equipped to teach the above than the social worker. I also would like to see our alumni (11,000+ strong) become much more active, available, and involved in their School--within the School as guest speakers and mentors and outside the School as advocators and ambassadors on behalf of the School.  As the President of your Alumni Association I look forward to a growing number of alumni who are committed, connected, concerned, and involved in the School.  I welcome dialogue, recommendations, and suggestions from any and all of you.

Why did you make a commitment to become further involved with the University of Maryland School of Social Work?

Simply put.  I owe much of what I am today as a social worker to the School of Social Work and to its teachers.  Not only did the School lay the groundwork for me to build a career upon, but also made it possible for me to attend by offering me a scholarship and placing me in a paid field position.  Without this financial assistance I would not have been able to attend.  It is time for me to commit and connect to the School by giving back my time, my effort, and my money.

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