Alumni Spotlight – Kathryn Reese
Kathryn Reese
Welcome to the “Alumni Spotlight” monthly series. Learn how our Union Institute & University (UI&U) graduates are living the UI&U mission of engagement, enlightenment, and empowerment.
Featured this month: Kathryn Reese
Education: B.S. Social Work 2015
Profession: Social Worker
March is National Social Work Month. Union Institute & University’s major in Social Work applies a real-world approach and on-the-job training experience through a combination of online and fieldwork curriculum. The UI&U degree is accredited by the Council on Social Work Education and prepares the graduate for an exciting and in-demand career in social services, child welfare, health, addiction, corrections, and juvenile work.
The 2018 National Social Work Month theme is “Social Workers: Leaders. Advocates. Champions.” Union is proud to celebrate our social work leaders, advocates, and champions as they enhance the well-being and basic needs of all people, especially the most vulnerable in society.
This week’s spotlight is on Kathryn Reese. Learn more about Kathryn and her life as a social worker in the Q&A below.
Q. What has your degree meant to you personally and professionally?
A. With my degree, doors have opened that may have otherwise stayed shut. I have heard amazing stories from the clients and families I have encountered, and it is an honor to work with each and every one of them.
Q. What quality do you admire most about your alma mater?
A. Union Institute & University truly supports working adults in pursuit of their goals and dreams of higher education. I appreciate the life-long learner stance that UI&U encourages, and the high degree of scholarship that professors hold.
Q. If you could give advice to a Union student, what would it be?
A. Ask questions, pursue answers. Take time to develop relationships with your fellow classmates and instructors. And don’t forget self-care is not a noun.
Q. What would you say has been your greatest accomplishment?
A. Since receiving my Bachelor of Science in Social Work, I am proud to say that I am a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Ohio. That, however, is just the beginning; I have learned so much about my field and myself. I am currently working towards certifications in Early Childhood Mental Health and Structured Sensory Interventions. I would not be where I am today without the support I received at UI&U. Thank you professors and staff!!
Q. What is your passion away from work?
A. I love spending time with friends and family, just being at home, working in the garden or knitting. My husband and I are both avid cooks, so we spend time researching various cuisines and recipes, sometimes with tasty results!