Sue Dwyer-Voss ’86

Outstanding Alumni

Instilling Hope in Young People

Among the ethical principles that guide the profession of Social Work—service, social justice, dignity and worth of the person, importance of human relationships, integrity, and competence—the value that resonates most powerfully with Sue Dwyer-Voss centers on each person’s worth and dignity. Throughout her 35-year career as a School Social Worker, Dwyer-Voss has created a safe space of support for students struggling with a host of challenges, from anxiety and depression to living without parents to navigating their LGBTQ+ identity. By helping young people recognize their inherent worth and dignity, Dwyer-Voss inspires hope in those who need it most.

“Considering the dignity and worth of each person is core to how I live my life and how I spend my time working,” said Dwyer-Voss. “Everybody is worthy and everybody deserves dignity. My goal is to develop relationships and connections in whatever capacity I can, to meet people where they are at, and to help them understand their inherent self-worth.”

Developing a Passion for Social Justice

A Southern California native, Dwyer-Voss knew early on she belonged at California Lutheran University. Her two older brothers graduated from CLU, and she felt a strong sense of community when she visited the close-knit campus. As a CLU student, Dwyer-Voss relished the opportunity to build connections with her professors, who challenged her to think critically about race, discrimination and justice.

One professor in particular, the late Dr. Pam Jolicoeur—who was Chair of the Sociology Department when Dwyer-Voss was an undergraduate and later served as University Provost— was instrumental in encouraging her to make an impact on the world. Dr. Jolicoeur fostered discourse on how policy, law and racism contribute to social issues, and she ensured her students gained real-world experience through internships with community agencies.

From those experiences, a desire to help others took root. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from CLU, Dwyer-Voss earned her master’s degree in Clinical Social Work at the University of Chicago and became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). She found her calling in school-based social work, which has allowed her to instill in young people a sense of hope for the future.

A Legacy of Impacting Students’ Lives

For the past 10 years of her career, Dwyer-Voss has served as a high school Social Worker, providing a safe space for high school students by maintaining an open-door policy, cultivating relationships over time, and letting her students know there is an adult who cares about them. Dwyer-Voss finds it equally rewarding to work as a Field Supervisor for aspiring social workers. In this role, she has mentored more than 100 students throughout her career, building the next generation of vital social workers.

In 2020, Dwyer-Voss co-founded the CLU Peace and Social Justice scholarship with her husband, Ron—who she met in an undergraduate Peace and Justice class at CLU. Thus far, the scholarship has provided more than $25,000 to support nine Cal Lutheran students of color who are pursuing careers in social justice.

“My goal is to help young people recognize they are worthy and deserving of a future,” said Dwyer-Voss. “It’s important to help others understand they can have a positive impact on the world, which I was fortunate to learn during my time at CLU.”