Ann Weick
Dennis Saleebey
The GPTSW and the social work community lost two of its most productive and creative members this year: Ann Weick and Dennis Saleebey, both of the University of Kansas. Ann and Dennis were brilliant, generative scholars whose scholarship and lives embodied the best of social work. Their seminal work on the strengths perspective and the integration of postmodern and feminist thought with social work generated research and scholarship that profoundly influenced social work practice, inquiry, and education. Their qualities as persons were as deeply compelling as their professional work. Known for their consistent caring, integrity, and good humor, they brought authenticity, wisdom, and often laughter to anyone fortunate enough to know them.
Dennis and Ann were committed to supporting spaces where alternative ideas could be expressed and authentic dialogue could flourish. Toward those ends they were leaders in the development of the GPTSW and deeply involved in its activities. We will miss them greatly, but their contributions and legacy will live on through the work of the GPTSW and the legions of practitioners and scholars whom they have inspired.