Over the past 40 years, Trudy Zimmerman has offered her educational and administrative knowledge to Boston University’s School of Social Work. From the start of her career at Boston University in 1980, Trudy made her mark in the School of Social Work. She was known by colleagues as someone with “exquisitely good judgement” who shared her wisdom and kindness to all. Trudy was viewed as an “invaluable source of help” and a “beacon of light” for many students. Her devotion to social work was so palpable that one colleague shared, “Trudy’s insights, experiences, and commitment to the signature pedagogy of social work education is an extraordinary strength and great light in BUSSW.”
Trudy carried her integrity and passion for social work into her new role as Assistant Dean of Field Education in 1997. During her 23-year legacy as Assistant Dean, she pioneered program developments that strengthened BUSSW and led to her being viewed as “one of the pillars of the school.” From implementing an orientation specifically designed for advanced year students interning at the major Boston teaching hospitals, to developing one of the first fully online seminars for field instructors, Trudy aimed to educate and prepare both social work students and staff.
Trudy played a leadership role for many years in the New England Consortium of Field Education (NECON) and was also active in national field education issues through her work with CSWE.
Trudy may have retired from her position as Assistant Dean of Field Education, but she left an unforgettable impact on Boston University’s School of Social Work as someone whose passion and commitment to social work education has been noted as unwavering. Congratulations Trudy!