Richard Blake and Nelida Arancibia Receive National Association of Social Workers Awards  

Here, second from the left, Richard Blake is pictured with his students at the Annual Social Work Gala.

Two members of Seton Hall University's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work have received major awards from the National Association of Social Workers New Jersey Chapter. Richard Blake and Nelida Arancibia, both social work professors, were honored at the Annual Social Work Gala on Oct. 27 at the Forsgate Country Club in Monroe, NJ.

Professor Blake received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which recognizes the best in social work as exemplified by core values and career accomplishments. Professor Arancibia received the Outstanding Service Award, which recognizes individuals or organizations for outstanding service to their local communities.

"There isn't a student or colleague who doesn't owe a debt to Dr. Blake for his commitment to social justice, exemplary and inspiring teaching, and relentless advocating for what is right," says Professor Mary Landriau, who coordinates the Bachelor of Social Work Field Education of Seton Hall. Blake started his social work career making home visits for his local welfare department in Jersey City. He went on to grow tremendously in his career, wearing many different hats. He eventually started directing programs at hospitals and securing funding for several social work agencies, while simultaneously providing services to clients.

Richard Blake, pictured right, at the Annual Social Work Gala

As Blake stepped up to bigger and bigger job titles, he never forgot why he became a social worker in the first place. It was the people he met on his home visits so early in his career that drove him to become what he is today. By directing and expanding programs and fundraising for charities and churches, he was indirectly expanding the number of people these programs could reach. No one was forgotten or left behind. "I want to move up without losing my heart. That is my life's goal," said Blake.

After many years working in the field, he decided to take his knowledge into the classroom and has been teaching at Seton Hall since 1989. "I became a social worker and a social work educator. That is my dream come true," said Blake.

"I feel honored and humbled by the experience," said Arancibia. In order to win the award, recipients must be nominated by fellow social workers and Arancibia received no shortage of support.

"She truly exemplifies the spirit of generosity, giving her time, her energy, and her whole being in service to others," says Matthew Corrigan, Director of the Master of Social Work Program at Seton Hall.

Nelida Arancibia, pictured back center, at the Annual Social Work Gala with colleagues

Before coming here, Arancibia spent more than 20 years working with children and families in distress in Middlesex County. She made home visits and working closely with children and parents in order to improve the relationships in challenged families. Being fluent in Spanish, Arancibia was able to work intimately with the Latino community.

Arancibia wanted to sharing her skills with students who were just starting out in the field. To her, it was a great way to give back to the social work community that had trained her. She was drawn to Seton Hall University in 2008 when she learned she could help place social work students in internships and teach classes at the same time. Arancibia said she has had the privilege of watching students become great social workers and then come back to mentor her current students. She said "social work is a community where you will eventually meet again."

"Something that will make a great social worker is having the passion for helping others and always keeping in mind that they are becoming a social worker because they really want to make a difference in someone else's life," says Arancibia. For more information on how to become a social worker, please click here »