Alumni
We’ve decided to write this article for all of you who have been impacted by the University of Pittsburgh School of Social Work, whether you are a recent graduate or—like us—graduated many years ago. Much has changed in the 21st century. What is constant for all of us and all of you is that through our education and training, we’ve developed important skills and competencies that we put to use in social work or related fields. Some of us have used our skills and training in other pursuits. In short, each of us has been inspired to live a life of social work beyond our employment, and we hope our conversation will inspire you to do the same as we reflect on how we live, work, and play.
Dorian Mintzer: “I graduated from Pitt in 1970 and put my social work degree to work in Pittsburgh with a stint as chief social worker at the Developmental Clinic at Children’s Hospital [of Pittsburgh of UPMC]. I moved to Massachusetts to pursue a PhD, and I opened a clinical practice [that] led to my portfolio career. I became a mother later in life, but my entrepreneurial spirit allowed me to consult, speak, and become a person- al and professional coach and so much more in the ‘second half’ of my life.”
Bob Schwartz: “I’m a traditional social worker, having majored in group work, and [I] served as a social work officer in the [U.S.] Army, discharged with the rank of captain. I served as a social worker and executive in Jewish communal services for 42 years. Social work is who I am.”
Alan Momeyer: “Beyond graduate school at Pitt, I never practiced social work. I was the chief of human resources for the Loews Corporation for 36 years, helping some 25,000 employees access and utilize various benefits. I always considered how I could take action for the good of the individual and the good of the community. I was driven by the principles that drive our profession.”
Mintzer: “My social work and psychology principles and values are so internalized that they’re part of my core. Giving back and trying to make the world a better place is important to me. As I continue to love work at age 70, I am engaged and connected, and I feel a deep sense of purpose and meaning in my life, both personally and professionally. I’m reading, traveling, taking up new hobbies, and rekindling my activism during and following the recent election. There are only 24 hours in a day, and I’ve had to learn to say no a little more than I used to.”
Momeyer: “Unlike Dori, I’ve decided to retire, but I’m still quite active. The big retirement dilemma to me is the ‘to/from’ equation. Instead of focusing on where I’ve come from—a satisfying career—I’m basing my life now on what I want to go to—adventures that challenge my skills and perspective. I’m embracing the opportunity to turn interests into passions. I’m exploring cooking techniques and culture around the globe; driving an Uber in New York City to experience work from a different perspective; cycling in new territory across the country; and blogging about it to share my experiences and appreciations about life after viewing it through a different lens. It’s my way to come full circle and continue to grow in my field without holding onto my career.”
Schwartz: “I’m the busiest retired person I know. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease several years before my retirement. I made up my mind that I would concentrate on assisting others who have Parkinson’s, and I now volunteer extensively with the National Parkinson Foundation. I’m also volunteering with the local Jewish Community Center and consulting with the Israel Cancer Research Fund. I find using my social work skills in retirement is a stimulating and rewarding experience because I’m helping others grow and gain confidence in their abilities to make good decisions for the betterment of their lives and [the lives] of those they love. It is very important how I go about my work.”
We offer three different models for life during these retirement transition years. There is no right way. What we all have in common is having trained at the School of Social Work and developed skills that have been with us throughout our professional lives, regardless of what we did or still do. We invite you to learn from us and take time to think about how you want to live this next stage of your life.
As the School of Social Work looks forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, we want to ask you, our fellow alumni, to tell us your story. How are you living a life of social work as a young or young-at-heart alumnus of our great school? Share your update at socialwork.pitt.edu/alumni and help us tout the great work being done across the country and around the world thanks to the common bond we share.