Daemen University’s MSW Program Director and Chair of Social Work and Sociology, Dr. Diane Bessel, was selected as the recipient of the Association for Community Organization and Social Action (ACOSA) 2025 Mid-Career Achievement Award. 
The award honors the contributions of a meritorious mid-career scholar who demonstrates an impact in community practice, high levels of engagement with students to develop as future macro scholars and/or practitioners, and community-engaged teaching, research, and service.
“I am incredibly honored to be recognized by the Association for Community Organization and Social Action (ACOSA), and very proud to be counted among macro scholars and practitioners working to make a real difference in communities across this county,” Bessel said.
Dr. Amy Trabert, BSW director and assistant professor, nominated Bessel, sharing, “Diane is a very hardworking person and works in many various roles on campus. She has accomplished a lot in her time at Daemen University and in her overall social work career in the community!”