University of Kentucky Social Work hosts 22nd annual Rosenstein Lecture

Lexington: On Thursday, 18th of April, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is hosting the 22nd Annual Irma Sarett Rosenstein Lecture with distinguished guest, journalist, and columnist, Juan Williams. The event, taking place at the Gatton Student Center (Grand Ballroom AB) at 8 a.m., honours the remarkable legacy of Lexington social worker Irma Sarett Rosenstein.

A Celebration of Irma Sarett Rosenstein’s Legacy

Known as a powerful ally in Central Kentucky’s fight against social injustice, Irma Sarett Rosenstein played a significant role in advancing social equality until her passing in 2015. The annual lecture aims to celebrate Rosenstein’s remarkable work and contribution to social change. This year, the CoSW has invited a national figure who has continuously echoed the importance of positive social change – Juan Williams.

Introducing the Inspiring Juan Williams

Williams, an award-winning columnist and New York Times best-selling author for the book, “Eyes on the Prize” America’s Civil Rights Years, 1954-1965,” offers a critical insight into the civil rights movement. Throughout his 23-year career serving in various roles — as an investigative journalist, White House correspondent, editorial writer, columnist and magazine writer — he has interviewed U.S. presidents, Supreme Court and Congress members, civil rights, and global leaders.

“The Irma Rosenstein Lecture Series encapsulates all that is social work, and we look forward to continuing to bring these experiences to our communities for many years to come,” said Jay Miller, dean of the CoSW. “We would like to thank the Rosenstein family for their ongoing support and partnership in providing what is sure to be a thought-provoking and insightful lecture.”

Rosenstein Lecture and Unite Research Showcase

In addition to appreciating Rosenstein’s tremendous work, the lecture is also a part of the 2024 UNITE Research Showcase, an event that aims to promote the importance of research and critical inquiry across the Commonwealth. Both the Rosenstein Lecture and the UNITE Research Showcase are free and open to all UK faculty, staff, students, affiliates, and partners, who must register in advance to attend.

A Brief Recollection of Rosenstein’s Contributions

The energetic Rosenstein significantly contributed to the CoSW and the UK Chandler Hospital as a social worker. She fostered an ethos of openness and clarity while addressing college and community issues. More compellingly, Rosenstein never shied away from confronting racism.

Her unyielding drive led her to fuel the Kentucky Conference for Community and Justice (KCCJ), previously known as the Kentucky Conference of Christians and Jews. Striving to continually build community, Rosenstein even hosted one of social work’s most prominent figures, Whitney Young, at a KCCJ dinner during a period when no public spaces outside the University of Kentucky were desegregated.

An Unwavering Commitment to Advancing Society

Thanks to a generous contribution from Rosenstein and her family in 2002, the department of CoSW has hosted lectures with distinguished national speakers each year on UK’s campus. The University of Kentucky, as the grand state’s flagship, land-grant institution, remains dedicated to advancing the Commonwealth through education, research, creative work, service, and healthcare paving the way for future generations of leaders.

Contact information:

To get more details, please reach out to Lindsey Piercy at lindsey.piercy@uky.edu or contact at 859-323-5613.