‘Face of social work program’ snags scholarship

Of the 140,000 members of the National Association of Social Workers- which is divided into 56 geographical chapters -112 student members, two representing each chapter, are selected annually for the association’s scholarship. Last year, Chadron State College’s own Dani Grothe was the undergraduate recipient of the “Nebraska Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers” scholarship.
When asked about her achievement, Grothe attributed receiving the award to influences other than herself. “They (NASW) are based in Omaha, so they hear mostly from Omaha and Lincoln schools. I don’t think they hear from the western side of the state that much, and I think that might have caught their attention.” Grothe said.
Though Grothe was humble about her achievement, CSC social work professor Bruce Hoem was more than willing to speak about Grothe’s achievement. “[Dani] highly deserves this award. She is a very exceptional student. She is a model for what we want of our students.”
Grothe, a senior majoring in social work, enjoys giving her time to the field. “She volunteers for everything,” Hoem said. “Sometimes I actually have to discourage her from doing so because she wants to take on everything.”
Echoing Hoem’s words about her being a model, Grothe has been told by others that she is sometimes seen as the face of the program because of her extensive participation in social work activities.
If Grothe is the face of CSC’s social work program, Hoem said he would like to see other students follow Grothe’s example. Hoem specifically would like other students reaching outside of Chadron and the western side of Nebraska, especially in regards to scholarships.
“It is absolutely important [for students to apply themselves outside of Chadron]. Things like this award are published statewide, and people pay attention to it.”
Hoem noted that it also helps CSC and its social program when students do so. “There’s a lot of social work students in Nebraska,” he said, further explaining that many are in the eastern side of the state and that, because of this, sometimes CSC can be overlooked. “People who did not know CSC has a social work program learn that we do, and a pretty good one at that.”
Grothe also believes other students should apply themselves outside of CSC. “I encourage all social work majors to apply for this scholarship… [and to] get involved with the eastern side of the state.”
Grothe went on to say that she hopes a CSC student can apply and win the scholarship next year. “Bring it back to Chadron,” she said, smiling.
Grothe plans to attend graduate school at the University of Nebraska-Omaha after she finishes her undergraduate schooling at CSC. She plans to be involved in counseling and mental health therapy.
In the more recent future, Grothe will take part in the professional social work program’s post-traumatic stress disorder conference on the 13th of November.