VCU news

By Geoff LoCicero
VCU School of Social Work

John Gyourko’s experience with the VCU School of Social Work has been a bit like solving a giant jigsaw puzzle, arranging pieces until a clear vision emerges.

The latest pieces include the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia chapter’s announcement in late March that Gyourko was named the M.S.W. Student of the Year, one of the organization’s five top awards each spring; and his recognition within the Virginia Commonwealth University School of Social Work as a winner of the Elaine Rothenberg Social Work Award and the Service & Leadership Award.

The final piece will be graduation in May, as Gyourko completes his master’s with plans to enter the University of Pennsylvania’s social welfare doctoral program in the fall.

"To be counted among these inspiring social workers — it's truly humbling," Gyourko said of the National Association of Social Workers – Virginia award. "I'm grateful to have had strong support from VCU faculty and fellow students during my time in the M.S.W. program. Along the way, my work was encouraged and empowered by many generous and dedicated people.

“I worked as hard as I possibly could — but hard work alone is not enough. You have to have the support and guidance of excellent faculty and staff, fellow students, people in your life, your partners. My girlfriend, Jennifer Kellett, who is a distance education student in the M.S.W. program, has been a critical source of support.”

A part-time student, Gyourko earned his degree while working as a foster care program specialist with the Virginia Department of Social Services. During his four years at VCU, he gradually developed a vision for where he wanted the degree to lead. 

“I came into the program with about a decade of social work experience,” he said. “At the outset, I knew I wanted to focus on child welfare and the policy arena, but beyond that I didn’t have many specific goals. My time at VCU really helped bring my natural interests into sharper focus. 

“One very strong aspect of VCU’s program is that I was able to tailor each interlocking element of graduate school — assignments, field placements (internships), independent research — around my interests. The program was flexible enough to allow that kind of personalization. And I was able to develop mentoring relationships with VCU faculty and field contacts along the way, which empowered me to actively pursue my research interests.” 

These connections, Gyourko said, opened up opportunities for him to contribute to an open-source social work textbook and conduct child welfare policy research through his field placement. As an elective course, Gyourko also pursued an independent study with social work assistant professor Jamie Cage, Ph.D. The collaboration led to a presentation at the Society for Social Work and Research conference in January. Gyourko is working to expand the body of scholarship on credit monitoring and financial protections for youth in foster care.

Cage said she was not surprised by Gyourko’s selection as the state’s top social work master’s student.

“He is one of the most diligent students I have ever had the pleasure of working with,” she said. “I'm continuously impressed by his work ethic and eagerness to absorb as much knowledge as he can. His dedication to his education is remarkable.” 

I came into the program with about a decade of social work experience. At the outset, I knew I wanted to focus on child welfare and the policy arena, but beyond that I didn’t have many specific goals. My time at VCU really helped bring my natural interests into sharper focus.

Gyourko was hired full time in the Division of Family Services after first serving as an intern. His research project under Cage’s mentorship utilized state data he was familiar with from the Virginia Department of Social Services.

“John consistently demonstrates professionalism and commitment to quality, and he has balanced heavy workloads and overlapping assignment deadlines in his dual roles as graduate student and [Virginia Department of Social Services] employee,” said Letha Moore-Jones, Gyourko’s supervisor. “From his internship to the present time, John’s analytical reasoning skills have been of value as he has developed insights about the connections between child welfare policy and practice.”

Gyourko admits that he has mixed emotions about the move to Philadelphia as he continues his education.

“It’s an Ivy League school, which is not something I ever envisioned for myself,” he said. “But you never know. Wonderful and unexpected things can happen in social work — that’s one of the most valuable lessons I’ve drawn from my M.S.W. experience. It will be hard to transition away from VCU, away from Richmond and this community I’ve fallen in love with. But I’m definitely excited to be contemplating the next stage of my career.”

The award, he said, is a powerful reminder of the importance of mentorship and the strengths we draw from community.

“In social work, there will always be difficult days,” he said. “With the right mentorship and a strong support network, the challenges we face as social workers can become opportunities for growth.”