Nazareth social work students earn state honors

Nazareth is celebrating two of its social work students, recognized by the National Association of Social Workers, New York (NASW-NY) as Students of the Year. Owen Malkowski was named Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) Student of the Year, and Abigail Goldberg was named Master of Social Work (MSW) Student of the Year.

Malkowski, a BSW student in his sophomore year, is known for his commitment to working with older adults, especially those living with dementia. He studies social work with minors in gerontology, spiritual care, and psychology, and serves as a site coordinator at St. Ann’s Community through Nazareth’s Partners for Serving/Health program. There, he works closely with residents in a special care unit, supporting engagement and quality of life.

“Owen is intimately familiar with how meaningful intervention can change lives,” said faculty advisor Leanne Wood. “What makes Owen extraordinary is not just the number of roles he juggles, but the authenticity he brings to each one. He embodies hope for future social workers, grounded in a commitment to justice, humility, collaboration, and compassion.”

His academic and community work have shaped a strong interest in person-centered dementia care and supporting both individuals and their families.

Goldberg, an MSW student who also earned her BSW from Nazareth, is being recognized for her leadership and commitment to community-based service work and social work practice in health care settings. 

As an undergraduate, she was deeply involved with Partners for Serving; her dedication enabled Nazareth students to contribute thousands of hours to the greater Rochester community, engaging directly with residents by coaching youth runners, tutoring and playing games with children and adults, assisting families with grocery shopping, providing transportation for older adults to religious services, and supporting new English language learners.

“Abby excelled at supporting her peers while strengthening relationships between students and community members,” her Partners supervisor said. “Her commitment helped create meaningful opportunities for connection and growth.”

Now completing her MSW, Abby serves as a social work fellow at a local hospital and works part-time at St. Ann’s Community. She also works as a graduate assistant in Nazareth’s Social Work department. After graduation, she plans to continue working in healthcare, focusing on patient-centered social work practice.

Together, Malkowski and Goldberg reflect the strength of Nazareth’s Social Work department and its focus on preparing thoughtful, community-focused professionals.

Nazareth University is an inclusive community of inspired learners, educators, and changemakers who for 100 years have been driven by a bold commitment to action, empathy, equity, and leading innovation for the common good. Impact experiences are at the heart of a Nazareth education, preparing each student to discover within themselves the potential to cultivate positive change in their life's work, in any career field, and in a world that is constantly evolving and infinitely interconnected.

Our broad academic offerings present a range of study options typical of larger universities, yet achieved in our supportive campus culture. Nearly 2,100 undergrad and 600 graduate students enroll in degree and certificate programs and engage in collaborative, transformative learning experiences, preparing for the professions and society of today and tomorrow. In a learning community that purposefully integrates liberal arts and professional programs, Nazareth University graduates are able to launch a lifetime of impactful leadership in communities and workplaces near and far.

• published: 2026 April
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