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NKU to honor Brandi Fisher with posthumous master of social work during commencement May 9


Brandi Fisher summed up the pursuit of her Northern Kentucky University master of social work in three words: motivation, determination and aspiration.

She had spent 11 years working as a social worker, but wanted to do more. Earning an MSW was the key.

Brandi Fisher

Brandi Fisher

“I have made a faithful commitment to not only myself, but to this program… and my word I shall keep,” Fisher wrote in her January 2014 application to the program, within NKU’s College of Education and Human Services.

She never wavered, even after being diagnosed with stomach cancer last October. The mother of four, devoted wife, and caring aunt was a quiet and determined woman who set an example of strength and grace for her classmates during her five-month battle with cancer.

Fisher passed away in last month at age 32.

NKU will honor Fisher and her family with a posthumous MSW on Saturday, May 9 during its afternoon commencement ceremony at The Bank of Kentucky Center.

“I don’t think inspirational is a strong enough word to describe Brandi, but inspiration and hope is exactly what she made so many people feel,” said Heidi Waters, the graduate programs coordinator for the Department of Counseling, Social Work & Leadership.

Before joining the MSW program, Fisher spent much of her time as a social worker with children and the elderly, while also helping the mentally ill and those with substance addictions. That work fueled her desire to gain greater knowledge and skills in providing social work services, particularly to children.

“By completing this program, I hope to gain skills and knowledge in leadership and supervision,” Fisher wrote. “I hope to broaden and refresh current social work practices and modalities as well as enhance my research skills and knowledge base as I would love to be a catalyst in social work change in my future.”

Motivation. Determination. Aspiration.

From NKU


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