Overview
The GASSW Phi Alpha Honor Society is a professional student organization that promotes humanitarian goals and ideals with an emphasis on educational excellence. Membership in Phi Alpha is open to both BSSW and MSW students.
Meetings are held once per month and include a variety of service projects and socials throughout the year. Membership is obtained through your school's Phi Alpha Chapter.
Application for Membership
Students who apply for Phi Alpha membership must have at least 2 semesters remaining in their social work degree program. The application window for 2022-2023 membership is currently closed. Please check back often for updates and additional information.
Expectations
We are an active chapter that requires all members to participate in Phi Alpha activities and fundraisers. Social work students should keep this in mind when making a decision to apply. Active members of the Phi Alpha Chapter are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Have at least two full semesters left in their program
- Pay dues on time
- Attend required meetings throughout each semester
- Participate in and contribute to committees
- Participate in the yearly service project(s)
National Qualifications for Undergraduate Membership
- Declaration of social work as a major
- Completion of nine credit hours of required social work courses
- Achievement of overall GPA that is within the top 35% of all BSSW students at UNO
National Qualifications for Graduate Membership
- Completion of nine credit hours of required social work courses
- Achievement of overall GPA that is within the top 35% of all MSW students at UNO
Phi Apha Honorary Members 2022
The Phi Alpha Honor Society recognizes Kate Bolz and Darla Berger as honorary members.
Kate Bolz
A proud 6th generation Nebraskan, Kate Bolz grew up on a family farm near Palmyra, a small town outside of Lincoln, NE. She is currently an appointee of the Biden-Harris Administration, and serving as the State Director for Rural Development in Nebraska.
Previously, Kate represented south central Lincoln in the Nebraska Unicameral Legislature and worked with both Republicans and Democrats to deliver an annual balanced budget that reflects Nebraska’s priorities. Kate has also served as the Executive Director of the Nebraska Association of Service Providers, an association of community based disability service providers across the state and as an adjunct professor at Nebraska Wesleyan University, the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, and Union College.
She is a Board Member of Rabble Mill, a youth-services organization and an active member of both her hometown church - the Palmyra Presbyterian Church, and First Plymouth Church in Lincoln. Kate earned her bachelor’s degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a Masters in Social Work from the University of Michigan.
Darla Berger
Darla Berger was born and raised in Nebraska and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Wayne State College in Wayne NE. Upon graduation Darla moved to Omaha, where she has lived since graduation.
Darla started her career out of college with Big Brothers-Big Sisters, and came to work for the State of Nebraska in 1985. With the state, Darla was a case worker, a training specialist and lastly a community support specialist. Darla served on a leadership team for her church and on the board for Lift Up Sarpy County. Darla feels blessed that she has worked in her degree field for over 40 years.
Darla married the nicest guy she ever knew and they will celebrate their 40th anniversary in October. They have two daughters, two sons-in-law and five grandchildren. They all bring Darla great joy. Darla is very active in her church, loves to travel, loves to read and feels blessed to be surrounded by great friends and family.
Phi Alpha Student Leaders 2022-23
- President: Allison Hoden
- Vice President: Morgann Pospisil
- Melanie Secretary: Melanie Petersen
- Treasurer: Emily Merksick