TU scholarships honor longtime supporter | News

THOMASVILLE, GA - News release from Thomas University

Louise Chastain made her mark in the area of social work as one of the first social workers in Georgia. Her career began in 1933. When welfare was established in every Georgia county in 1937, she was named the first director of public welfare in Thomas County. It was a position she held for the next 30 years.

Even after retirement, Chastain continued to support the profession over the years by financially assisting the Division of Social Work at Thomas University.

“Mrs. Chastain’s support of our social work program started back when she financially funded our initial application for accreditation from the Council for Social Work Education, said Dr. Bill Milford, Chair of the Division of Social Work. “Her dedication to social work was unparalleled as she pioneered professional social work in the southwest Georgia area and she continued to be a tireless advocate for child welfare well into her nineties. “

When she died in October 2010, Chastain left an endowment of more than $200,000 to fund scholarships for social work students at Thomas University.

“She reflected the desire that all great social workers have, which is to not only serve the best interests of their clients, but to achieve real outcomes that make a lasting difference in their lives,” Milford said. “Her generosity will create a legacy of support for social work students here at Thomas University in the form of scholarships and project support to serve our local community.”

The first scholarships funded by the Louise Chastain Social Work Scholars Endowment will be awarded in the fall of 2012. The scholarships will be awarded to students who have been accepted into the social work program and who demonstrate outstanding scholastic achievement and community service.

For more information about establishing endowments to fund scholarships at Thomas University, contact Rick Munroe, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, at (229) 227-6903.