Support GSSW
Why should you give to GSSW?
Our work is science with intent—science for action. Science that is actualizing social work’s transformative potential to provide better health and well-being for all. Your support makes all of this a reality for our faculty and students.
GSSW faculty members are living the GSSW mission through their research and scholarship. This includes the Butler Institute for Families, the Institute for Human-Animal Connection, Equity Labs, and the Center for Housing and Homelessness Research, which engage communities locally, nationally and internationally to develop solutions across a range of social issues.
Support the Graduate School of Social Work to create a stronger Colorado and a more sustainable, just and equitable world where all people can thrive. You choose where your donation is directed. You can:
- Fund faculty innovation
- Provide scholarships for MSW students
- Enrich the student experience
- Broaden our community impact
Marie Motahari Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2022 in memory of MSW student Marie Motahari, The Marie Motahari Endowed Scholarship supports students enrolled in GSSW’s MSW@Denver online MSW program. A promising social worker, Marie worked with older adults with mental illness, provided social services to death row inmates, was passionate about animal rights and was a devoted and loving live-in caregiver for her own grandmother. Marie struggled with progressive sight impairment and this challenge made her a champion for all those who struggle and gave her extraordinary empathy with which she could sincerely acknowledge and celebrate even the smallest successes with her clients.
Motahari Scholars are students with financial need who, like Marie, demonstrate success at helping others despite their own personal challenges. Your gift to the Motahari Endowed Scholarship supports exceptional social work students like Marie.
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Jason Annecchini Endowed Scholarship
Established in 2022 by Frank and Linda Annecchini in memory of their son, Jason, who planned to pursue psychology/social work to help others, particularly children in need. The purpose of this fund is to provide need-based scholarship support for undergraduate students participating in the dual undergraduate + Master of Social Work (MSW) program. Payouts from the fund will provide scholarship support to undergraduate students enrolled in the dual degree program through GSSW, allowing them to obtain their undergraduate and MSW degrees in five years.
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The Jeff Fink Go Fetch Wellness Memorial Fund
The Jeff Fink Go Fetch Memorial Fund supports the Institute for Human‑Animal Connection (IHAC) and honors Jeff Fink’s life and legacy. Born from Jeff’s personal experience of mental health healing through the companionship of his service dog, Earl, the fund reflects his belief in the power of connection, compassion, and human–animal relationships to foster healing. Through support of IHAC’s research, education, and outreach, the fund advances innovative, ethical approaches to mental health and well‑being for people and animals alike.
The Fletcher and Mollie Merkel Legacy Fund
The Fletcher and Mollie Merkel Legacy Fund at GSSW established by Fletcher Merkel’s loving grandparents, Ron Kaliebe and Carol-Flint Kaliebe, in honor of Fletcher’s life and the power of the human-animal bond. The purpose of the Fund is to provide support for the Institute for Human-Animal Connection at the Graduate School of Social Work through groundbreaking work in research, education and community engagement.
Thank you for your generous support of the University of Denver’s Graduate School of Social Work!
Meet our Development Staff
