Daniel S. Sanders led the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Social Work at a time of change, centering his work on how social workers understand the world around them, and how they act within it.
By the time he became dean in 1974, Sanders had developed ideas for guiding the school. He believed social workers must function across cultures and systems, and their education should reflect this reality. He called for a curriculum grounded in cross-cultural understanding, public policy and real-world practice.
Sanders wrote in 1974 that social workers must be prepared to act as “effective change agents in a multicultural, pluralistic society.” This perspective shaped his leadership. Rather than confining international work to a single course or program, he argued it should extend across the full curriculum. Social work education, he wrote, must “break loose from the tendency to see social work practice exclusively in terms of one culture, class, or nation.”
At UH Mānoa, his vision took form. Sanders expanded international programming and strengthened the school’s role in the Asia-Pacific region. He supported research tied to human rights and social justice, and he helped build stronger academic pathways, including the development of the bachelor of social work program and continued emphasis on doctoral study.
Carrying the vision forward
Sanders’ ideas continue to shape the school through the Daniel Selvarajah Sanders Doctoral Award in International Social Work, which supports PhD students studying issues tied to global social welfare, peace, human rights and social justice.
The award, established by Christobel Sanders, reflects Daniel Sanders’ vision and carries it forward.
Christobel created the doctoral award in her husband’s name to support students whose work aligns with his focus on international social work and global understanding. She remained connected to the school and its students.
“Christobel Sanders didn’t simply give to the School of Social Work — she stayed in relationship with it,” says Theresa Kreif, faculty member and director of Pacific Partnerships & Workforce Development Initiatives. “She made time to know scholarship recipients, to be present at convocations and open houses, and to encourage students, especially those coming from abroad. Her legacy lives in the connections she nurtured.”
Recipients of the scholarship come from across the world, bringing a wide range of lived experience and research interests to the University of Hawaiʻi.
Taking shape in new settings
Jin Young Seo was a three-year recipient of the award. “It meant so much to have this support as an international student who had just moved to Hawai‘i,” he says. “With this generous scholarship, I was able to pursue research about parental leave in global contexts, and I am continuing this work today.”
Seo says, “I was particularly saddened to hear about the recent passing of Mrs. Sanders. I had the privilege of spending time with her, as I stayed in a room at her house for a few weeks when I first arrived in Hawai‘i. I will always remember the generosity of the Sanders family and will strive to make meaningful advancements as a researcher and a teacher.”
Today, he is an Assistant Professor at Augsburg University.
Through the work of doctoral scholars receiving the award, Sanders’ ideas continue to take shape in new settings. Their research and practice continue his emphasis on cultural understanding and social change.
Daniel Sanders’ vision remains part of the school’s direction, and part of the work students take into communities around the world.
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