April 8, 2020
We are deeply saddened at the passing of Matthew Moore, MSW ’13, a dear friend and integral part of the School of Social Welfare and Stony Brook University.
“Matthew had a wonderful spirit, embodied the essence of what a social worker is and was always willing to help in any way. He frequently participated in Advocacy Day, role modeling the best of what social work is about”, according to Professor Carolyn Peabody. He initiated many programs while an SSW student and remained connected to the School through alumni events. He was also a very popular Adjunct BSW Research Lecturer in the School from 2016-2018. “Matthew had an infectious smile and an ever-positive and confident attitude, a phenomenal young man, mentor, and social worker -- true embodiment and model of our profession's values and ethics. He will be deeply missed”, said Suzanne L. Velázquez, Ph.D., LCSW, Undergraduate Program Director and Clinical Associate Professor.
Matthew earned his Master’s degree in 2013 from the School of Social Welfare. His Master's Thesis titled, “Determining the needs of access programs and support systems for minority males applying to and entering college” , focused on developing life skills for disadvantaged students, which he modeled every day as a proud social worker. Prior to becoming a graduate student, Matthew earned a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Stony Brook University in 2011 where he graduated cum laude, and was inducted into the Golden Key International Honour Society, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, and Psi Chi International Honor Society. In 2011 Matthew was invited to join the national Phi Beta Kappa honor society, an honor that is only open to the top 10% of students in the nation.
During his time as a student at the School of Social Welfare, Matthew began working as a Research Analyst for the Suffolk County Fatherhood Initiative (SCFI). “Matthew brought his heart and soul into this work; he was dedicated to improving services for low- income fathers and was loved and respected by the entire SCFI family”, said Professor Anna Hayward.
Matthew served many in his various roles and left an indelible mark through all of his endeavors for the betterment of others. He was a Lead Instructor for the Freedom School of the Children’s Defense Fund. Shortly after that he served as Program Director for the EAC Network, Inc. District Attorney’s Pre-Plea Community Service Program. Matthew was the coordinator of Literacy Services at the Patchogue-Medford Library and the First Vice President of the Long Island Latino Teacher’s Association, 2015-16. He was a proud member of NASW, a recipient of the New York State Senate Community Leadership and Service Award, 2016, and a Stony Brook University Presidential Fellow, 2015-2018. He was currently with the Admissions Department at Suffolk Community College.
Matthew was committed to empowering economically challenged, minority youth and student success of first generation college students. “You could just see he was going to be such an amazing social leader. A loss to his family, friends, our School and University and our profession”, said Dr. Jacqueline B. Mondros, Dean of the School of Social Welfare.
Matthew's family has established a GoFund page:
