School of Social Work Captures University and State Honors

Indiana University School of Social Work faculty have received honors for teaching excellence and for their impact on the community at-large.Dr. Gary Miller, who has been teaching a variety of courses in both the BSW and MSW programs as an Associate Faculty since 1989, received word he will receive the university’s Distinguished Teaching Award for part-time faculty.

Meanwhile, Dr. Irene Queiro Tajalli, Executive Director of Undergraduate Education and Interim Executive Director of the Labor Studies program, leaned she has been selected to receive a Torchbearer Award by the Indiana Commission for Women. It is the highest award to be given only to women by the State of Indiana.

 In a letter nominating Dr. Miller, who is Vice President of Operations at Riley Hospital for Children, IU School of Social Work Dean Michael Patchner wrote, “By any measure Dr. Miller is truly a gifted teacher. Students love him, his teaching, and his courses.”

 “I often joked that we could better utilize our classroom space by having Dr. Miller’s class offered at midnight because it would certainly be full.  Dr. Miller is unique in that he bridges the theoretical knowledge with practical applications for professional practice.  He has a wealth of practice experience and wisdom which he readily shares with his students.  He is a mentor and role model to each of his students.

Dr. Miller and others receiving teaching and service awards will be honored at the Celebration of Distinguished Teaching dinner in Bloomington on March 27th.

Dr. Queiro-Tajalli will receive her award at a celebration at the Indiana Roof Ballroom on March 3rd.  “We look forward to presenting Irene with this well deserved recognition at the “Indiana Salute to Women: The Torchbearer Awards,” the Indiana Commission for Women wrote in a letter notifying her of the award.

Recipients of the Torchbearer award are being recognized for their outstanding
achievements and work in Indiana.