Dec. 15, 2025
With our commencement ceremonies set for Friday, Dec. 19, we’re highlighting a few of the incredible students who will soon be alumni of the College of Health Sciences.
Read on to learn more about Addy Slusher of Gretna, Nebraska, who is completing a Bachelor of Social Work.
Addy Slusher
Degree: Bachelor of Social Work
Hometown: Gretna, Nebraska
Favorite quote:
“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”
— Marian Wright Edelman
An interesting fact about you (that people might not know):
I have a twin!
What does graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences mean to you?
For me, graduating from the Mizzou College of Health Sciences means I have accomplished a major goal in my life. Moving more than 300 miles away from my friends, family and everything I knew to pursue this degree was intimidating — but I know now that I made the right decision. I am very proud of myself for graduating in two and a half years. It was not easy, but I had the support of amazing faculty and friends throughout my journey.
What was one of your favorite classes within your degree track?
One of my favorite classes was SOC_WK 2000W: Exploration of Social and Economic Justice. This course was discussion-based, and I really valued hearing perspectives from classmates who had different backgrounds and experiences. I took this course during my freshman year as a prerequisite to the social work program, and it solidified my interest in the field as well as showed me how social workers could influence communities through policy.
What activities have you been involved in along the way?
Being accepted into Marching Mizzou was the final thing that drew me to this university. I had participated in band throughout middle and high school, and I dreamed of playing in a huge stadium with a college marching band. I have so many great memories of sunsets on the practice field, long bus rides and game days. Many of my closest friends and supporters are people I met in the alto saxophone section.
While I was in the BSW program, I joined the Council of Student Social Workers. Being able to talk to older members in the School of Social Work was super valuable and inspiring. For the last two semesters, I served on the executive board as the PR & Engagement Officer. I was able to combine my artistic interests with my passion for social work and act as a mentor myself.
As part of my curriculum, I also had the opportunity to volunteer at The Bluffs, a local nursing home, and completed a practicum at the Daniel Boone Regional Library. Both of these experiences showed me how much I value community work and helped me improve my social work skills.
What memories stand out from your time at Mizzou?
I feel quite nostalgic for my freshman year. Moving to campus and meeting new people was an exciting experience for me. I explored Columbia and Mizzou’s campus and learned about its history and culture. I loved living less than a 10-minute walk from all of my friends and being able to study or watch movies together on a whim. This was a big period of personal growth in my life, and I am very thankful that I’ve had such a rewarding college experience.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on continuing my education and pursuing an MSW. Right now, I am planning to focus on clinical social work and become an LCSW, but I am also interested in community-level social work and advocacy. I am eager to start working as a social worker, and I find that taking classes and working in the field concurrently enhances my skills and learning.
What advice do you have for current and future students?
Get involved! Join a club or a student org, volunteer locally, be politically active, make friends with strangers. This is a great opportunity to build community, find your people and start figuring out who you are. And also, take a million pictures along the way.