USC alumni, Department of Veterans Affairs counselors, military personnel and veterans of three wars turned out for a recent presentation by Anthony Hassan at the University of Hawaii Kapi’olani Community College.

Hassan, director of the USC School of Social Work’s Center of Innovation and Research for Veterans and Military Families, appeared at an April 1 reception co-sponsored by the School of Social Work, the USC Alumni Association and the USC Alumni Club of Hawaii.

A retired Air Force officer with 25 years of experience in military social work and leadership development, Hassan outlined the challenges faced by soldiers readjusting to civilian life after tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq, as well as the emotional and psychological toll on veterans’ families.

Given the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, substance and alcohol abuse among returning soldiers, “the need for prepared social workers is greater than in any previous war,” according to Hassan.

Following his presentation, Hassan took questions from the audience, many of whom were visibly moved by his remarks. He has since received inquiries from several mental health care professionals about working with the Center of Innovation and Research, the first program of its kind in the country.

This was the second military social work-themed event co-sponsored by the USC Alumni Association.

In December, the association partnered with the School of Social Work and the USC Alumni Club of San Diego to celebrate the launch of the military social work program and the San Diego Academic Center aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway. These events reflect “the alumni association’s commitment to advancing USC by engaging Trojans through programs that celebrate USC’s academic achievements,” said USC Alumni Association CEO Scott M. Mory.

“Partnering with the USC Alumni Association has given us a platform to advance our mission,” Hassan said. “We want to ensure that the USC School of Social Work’s education, training and research promotes individual, group and community well-being of American veterans and their families. The USC Alumni Association is helping us actualize our mission.”

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