International Faculty Visit MSW program, Participate in Inauguration Events

Laura Giurgiu, Ph.D., and Mariana Calin, Ph.D., social work and psychology department faculty members from Ovidius University, Romania, along with Mr. Vladimir Burchel, CEO of “All Continents, Ltd.” in Constanța, Romania, recently visited Marywood University’s MSW program and took part in inauguration events on campus.

This visit builds upon a connection made in 2018, when Sister Angela Kim, IHM, Professor of Social Work, visited Ovidius University as a Fulbright Specialist. During her time at Ovidius University, Sister Angela met Dr. Laura Giurgiu and the university administrators. Upon returning to the States, Sister Angela was an instrument to establish a formal connection between Marywood University and Ovidius University. In 2019, the two institutions formalized their partnership with a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), laying the groundwork for future collaboration, such as this recent visit.

This year, Sister Angela and Dr. Giurgiu received the ERASMUS Faculty Mobility Award through the European Union. In May 2024, Sister Angela and Selina Shrestha, MSW, Director of Marywood’s School of Social Work and its MSW Program, visited Ovidius University in Romania. Dr. Giurgiu, Dr. Calin, and Mr. Burchel then visited Marywood’s MSW program, November 4-11, 2024.

Dr. Giurgiu is the Vice Dean and an Associate Professor in the Social Work and Psychology Department at Ovidius University. She holds an MSW and a Ph.D. in Psychology, and she is a licensed clinical psychologist. Dr. Giurgiu has taught courses in research methodology and clinical practice. Her research interests include student dropout prevention, international social work and psychology education, and the refugee populations in European countries. She also initiated the development of the South-East Research Center at Ovidius University.

Dr. Calin is a faculty member in the Social Work and Psychology Department at Ovidius University. She holds PhDs in Psychology and Computer Science, and teaches statistics, research methodology, and research methods for socio-human sciences. Her research focuses on statistics and computer-assisted training. Dr. Calin worked alongside Dr. Giurgiu to establish the South-East Research Center at Ovidius University.

Mr. Burchel, CEO of All Continents Ltd., and a philanthropist with expertise in commercial management and financial accounting. He has served as a counselor to the Cabinet of the President of the National Agency for Fiscal Administration (NAFA) and as an advisor to the Minister of Public Finance in Romania, as well as to international organizations like the IMF, the World Bank, and the European Union. As a philanthropist, Mr. Burchel has been the President of the Benevolus Association Humanitarian in Romania since 2016. He has collaborated with local authorities and NGOs to implement numerous social projects and programs supporting disadvantaged populations including initiatives related to social, educational, and medical services in Constanta, Romania.

During their visit to Marywood University, Dr. Giurgiu, Dr. Calin, and Mr. Burchel had the opportunity to present to the MSW students and MSW faculty members on the Scranton campus. They shared their expertise and experiences, engaging in insightful discussions with the MSW students.

The Romanian guests also had the honor of meeting President Lisa Lori, to whom they delivered a congratulatory letter from the President of Ovidius University. They participated in the university's inaugural ceremony and attended the Gala dinner, where they had the chance to connect with members of the Marywood community in a celebratory atmosphere.

The guests expressed that their visit was both meaningful and memorable. They particularly enjoyed meeting and conversing with the MSW students and an MSW faculty members, finding the experience enriching. They also extended their gratitude to Dr. David Kang, Associate Provost for Global Education, and to Sister Angela, for their excellent planning and organization of the visit. Also, special thanks were given to Selina Shrestha for her warm welcome, organizing the class presentations and assistance with transportation.

Additionally, the guests were deeply appreciative of the IHM Sisters' wonderful hospitality during their time at the IHM Center, making their visit both comfortable and unforgettable.

The Romanian guests expressed their eagerness to welcome Marywood University’s MSW students, an MSW faculty member, and President Lisa Lori to Romania in the near future.