Alumni Award Recipients Shine at the UND Department of Social Work Event
On September 25th, the University of North Dakota Department of Social Work hosted its annual Continuing Education and Distinguished Alumni Awards Homecoming event. This year, the event featured the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Children & Family Services Training Center (CFSTC). This special occasion not only highlighted the evolving landscape of social work in North Dakota but also honored the outstanding achievements of several alumni who embody the values and principles of the profession.
Award Recipients Spotlight
Rising Star Award (Early Career): The inaugural recipient of the Rising Star Award for someone in the early phases of their career was Kayla Hochstetler. Kayla is a recent graduate who has already made significant contributions to the field. Bret Weber, Chair of the UND Social Work Department, praised Kayla’s performance as a student at UND, saying, “She helped me to understand what I was trying to test in ways that I hadn’t previously understood.” Kayla played a vital role in launching the Greyhound project during her Master of Social Work field placement and was the first social worker at Spectra, where her influence led to hiring more social workers. Her impressive achievements in such a short time reflect her dedication to her profession.
Outstanding Alumni Award (Mid-Career): This year’s Outstanding Alumni Award was presented to Cassandra Hovet, who has over 12 years of experience in social work and nearly a decade in therapy. A proud graduate of UND, Cassandra is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Dakota and a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker (LICSW) in Minnesota. In 2022, she founded Amber Waves Therapy, an online-only mental health practice that expanded into a physical office space in 2023. Beyond her practice, Cassandra launched the annual charity event “Hope Love Sing” to benefit organizations like Project Dignity, which supports survivors of violence and trafficking. Her commitment to client welfare and community service exemplifies the true spirit of social work.
Distinguished Alumni Award (25+ Years in the Profession): The Distinguished Alumni Award was awarded to Barb Kitko, who has dedicated her career to guiding and mentoring new social workers at UND. Stephanie Homstad, a Clinical Assistant Professor who introduced the award, shared that “Barb has had an impressive and impactful career in social work and education… and is a “go-to” social worker for those who need empathy, advocacy, guidance, support, and a warm heart.” With over 28 years of experience, Barb has worked in a variety of settings, including as a school social worker and a Clinical Assistant Professor, and is the Bachelor of Science in Social Work Program Director at UND. Her efforts in implementing processes that enhance student success and support faculty demonstrate her unwavering commitment to the next generation of social workers.
Lifetime Achievement Award (Retired Social Worker): The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Del Hager, whose nearly 37 years in social work have made a lasting impact. His extensive career as a frontline county social worker and training coordinator made him a vital force in shaping the landscape of social work in North Dakota. Beginning his career at Grand Forks County Social Services as a child protective services social worker, Del gained invaluable firsthand experience in addressing the complexities of child welfare before transitioning to the UND Children and Family Services Training Center as a training coordinator. As a key contributor to the development and implementation of the Foster Pride program, Del promoted best practices and training methods for foster and adoptive parents. He also served on and chaired the Pride National Advisory Committee. His influence extended to the North Dakota Foster Parent Association, where he offered guidance and advocacy to support foster parents in their vital roles. Del coordinated and facilitated numerous training sessions, workshops, and conferences throughout his career, sharing his expertise with countless social workers and community partners.
About the UND Social Work Alumni Awards
Award recipients are recognized during the fall social work training event held annually during Homecoming.
The award honors individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements and embody the values and principles of social work.
- Rising Star (early Career) – under 10 years in the field
- Outstanding Alumni (Mid-Career) – 10 to 25 years in the profession
- Distinguished Alumni – greater than 25 years in the profession
- Lifetime Achievement Award – retired social worker
Nominees
Nominees for the award must be alums of the UND Social Work program (at least seven years since graduation) who positively reflect and have shown dedication to the field of social work by any of the following:
- Has made outstanding contributions to the social work profession
- Performs exceptional service in their chosen area
- Exhibits strong leadership skills
- Champions the rights and well-being of vulnerable populations
- Committed to ethical practice
Nominations are open now for the 2025 event.
