cheryl

Dr. Cheryl Evans Green passed away on Tuesday, October 2, 2007. She was a founding member of the School of Social Work and a member of the faculty for 30 years. Her contributions to the school, profession and the community are countless. She is greatly missed by all.

A special tribute event for
Dr. Green was held on Thursday, October 18, 2007, at 6:30 p.m., in Health and Public Affairs I, Rm. 119, on UCF's Orlando campus. The event was a celebration of Dr. Green's life and included an invocation, a video presentation, music, reflections, poetry and a reception.

If you would like to share memories of Dr. Green to be posted on this website, please email them to the School of Social Work.

Cheryl Evans Green Scholarship
A scholarship has been created in Dr. Green's honor.
(Click here for further information.) To make a contribution to the scholarship fund, please contact Katie Korkosz at 407-823-1600 or kkorkosz@mail.ucf.edu.

Pretty women wonder where my secret lies
I'm not cute or built to suit a model's fashion size
But when I start to tell them
They think I'm telling lies.
I say
It's in the reach of my arms
The span of my hips
The stride of my steps
The curl of my lips.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

I walk into a room
Just as cool as you please
And to a man
The fellows stand or
Fall down on their knees
Then they swarm around me
A hive of honey bees.
I say
It's the fire in my eyes
And the flash of my teeth
The swing of my waist
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Men themselves have wondered
What they see in me
They try so much
But they can't touch
My inner mystery.
When I try to show them
They say they still can't see.
I say
It's in the arch of my back
The sun of my smile
The ride of my breasts
The grace of my style.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Now you understand
Just why my head's not bowed
I don't shout or jump about
Or have to talk real loud
When you see me passing
It ought to make you proud.
I say
It's in the click of my heels
The bend of my hair
The palm of my hand
The need for my care.
'Cause I'm a woman
Phenomenally
Phenomenal woman
That's me.

Anyone lucky enough to be part of Dr. Green's classroom and teaching will truly understand what a profound loss it is for the School of Social Work. My thoughts and prayers go out to all her family and friends. She will be missed.

I first met Cheryl over 30 years ago when Anthropology was part of the Sociology, Social Work, and Anthropology Department.
She was a wonderful colleague, and good person, with a delightful sense of humor. My wife and I will miss her.

I am a a better, more professional, more compassionate social worker because of Dr. Green and all she taught me. I will always remember her intelligence and humor. She was a great TEACHER.

I am truly saddened by this news, and I am sure that the social work community in Orlando, FL greatly feels this lost. I met Cheryl at the Atlanta University School of Social where we both studied and earned our Ph.D. in Social Work. It was Cheryl and one other classmate that helped keep me focused during this period. We, joked, laughed, sighed, and sometimes cried together, but she always said we would pull through. It's been sometime since I've seen Cheryl, but in looking at her picture on the website, a flood of memories came back to me.

I'm sure Cheryl's family, especially her daughter will miss her loving
smile and her words of encouragement.

My deepest sympathies to the Green family and the Central Florida
University School of Social Work!

"I met Cheryl as she referred to herself in 1999 and was immediately "stricken" by her smile. It was not long after that her genuineness became evidence. I think of excerpts from two poems in memory of Cheryl.

Gift of a Smile
We only dwell here for a while;
Why not hesitate to smile?
Smiles are modest gifts to give;
They make life easier to live.

Smiles demand little energy?
Just a simple curve of the lips.
Someone's undivided attention
This sight captures quickly firmly grips....(Sylvia Larane Green,1995)

Real
There wouldn't be a problem
If only we were real
And tell ourselves in truthfulness
Exactly how we feel
The crutches we hold on to
The chains that bind us tight
Will always be our preference
While God is out of sight.... (Mike Bullock)

Emma (E.J.) Brown, PhD, APRN-BC, FAAN
Associate Professor
University of Kentucky, College of Nursing

I first came in contact with Dr. Green when I was enrolled as a full-time student (MSW). I had to drop out due to financial issues and Dr. Green was my advisor. She encouraged me to continue to pursue the idea of becoming part-time even though at the time the part-time program had not started. She was always very helpful and as a mentor to me that whatever your heart desire you must go after it with all that you have. The part-time program began and I was one of the first students to enroll. Dr. Green was there encouraging me. I was successful in completing the program and although she was no longer my advisor, her presence was with me throughout those years. I will treasure her memories always.

Debi Dillet, MSW
Registered Clinical Social Worker Intern

I remember Dr. Green's sense of presence. I was enthralled when she sauntered into a room and began to speak with such intention, expression, and ease. I will miss knowing her presence is impacting others' the way it impacted me and my practice.

My thoughts are with all of you at the School of Social Work living this loss each day...

I want to thank you for being such a GREAT role model and inspiration to me as a young scholar entering his first academic job. You will forever be missed and your efforts at making me a better person and scholar will forever be appreciated.

I was blessed to have had Dr. Cheryl Green as an instructor during my School of Social Work days at UCF. I enjoyed her sense of humor and her candor. She used her stories of real life experiences and her extensive knowledge to help learning come alive for students. I am a better social worker because I knew her. Dr. Green, you will be missed.

Mearlene Filkins

Good Bye Dr. Green, with the many obstacles that you turned into a challenge, you made the saying: "When the going gets rough, the tough get going" true. You will be missed. We know that you are now in the presence of God.

Thanks to Professor Green for all the time and guidance she gave me. i owe my career to her.

" When the friendly lights go out, there is a light by which the heart sees." -Olga Rosmanith
I am grateful for having had the privilege to know you. Rest in peace.

Dr. Green was one of the first persons I met on campus through the Black Faculty and Staff Association. She was the president of the chapter when I was hired here. I remember her being a very strong advocate for young professionals. I had many conversations with her and I will greatly miss her wisdom, compassion and courage to make change.

Germayne Crow Graham, Ph.D
Assistant Director, Student Leadership Development
UCF-LEAD Scholars

Dedicated. Candid. Devoted. Tireless. Pioneer. Mentor. Giver. Realist. Dr. Cheryl Green will always be known as a faculty member who cared about the community of UCF. She worked for diversity within the faculty and in the student enrollment. I will remember, always: she made a difference.

Janet Park Balanoff, Director
UCF-Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Programs

A classmate of mine once likened Dr.Green to the wise omnipitant character known as the Oricle. Dr. Green was an inspirational woman, teacher and social worker, a presence to be reconeded with. I am glad to have been touched by her.

Dr. Cheryl Green was a true people person. She was the epitome of warmth, compassion and understanding for all. Both her office door and caring heart were always open to students, faculty, friends, and colleagues. She wil be deeply, deeply missed.

Jeffrey S. Kaplan, PhD
Associate Professor, Teaching & Learning Principles
UCF-College of Education

My fondest memories of Cheryl are linked to the days she spend with me as a Visiting Professor at Massey University in New Zealand. She loved experiencing the beauty of that beautiful country and the warmth of its people. It was a joy to me to host her and to watch her with the students and my colleagues. I will always remember her comment that this was the first time in her life that she was an American first and a Black Woman
second.

Angeline Barretta-Herman, Ph.D.
Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs and
Professor of Social Work
University of St. Thomas

I use to work with Cheryl in the College of Health and Public Affairs. I remember when I sent her to get the picture taken you have up on her tribute page, so many years ago. I am deeply sadden by her untimely departure and want to send my condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. I'll miss her.

Karen Cobbs
Coordinator, Administrative Services
Information Technologies & Resources

It was my privilege to work with Dr. Cheryl Green for 28 of her 30 years at UCF. She had already earned my husband’s respect through her work with her students at a treatment facility he operated. As her faculty colleague, I found her to be intelligent and insightful, honest and straightforward, and a witty, spontaneous, and faithful friend.

I met Dr. Green for the first time seven years ago, when the Physical therapy Program moved to HPA-I. I was drawn like a magnet to Cheryl because of her infectious laugh and her witty sense of humor. Over the years, we became very good friends as we discussed various topics including our "Moms".

Rest well my friend - you will be missed. This world is a better place because you lived here!!

Like many others, I am at a loss for words. Cheryl was a colleague, mentor and friend whose honesty, integrity and unfailing sense of justice was equaled by her genuine warmth, compassion, and unfailing sense of humor. I feel truly fortunate that she was in my life and deeply saddened by her passing.

Sometimes life goes by so fast we forget who we have come in contact with and the difference they made. Dr. Green was one of those people you just could never forget. I just remember my first day ever in the program and she was my teacher. I knew from that day foward I picked the right major and put my worries aside. She always said "dont stress" especially right before a test, and of course would throw in a joke or two. There was one day when I said, to a friend a couple days before her passing" Dr. Green is such a strong and influential person, I think Ill remember her forever. This wont change.We miss you..

Jennifer Gagliardo

Cheryl, I will truly miss you...my friend, my confidante, my encourager. Your laughter, words, i.e., "platter, toxic, love, and caring" will always be with me. I know you have God and the Angels all laughing with your wonderful sense of humor. Love you!

Words cannot express the impact Dr. Green had on my life and, I know, the lives of many others. She saw in me what I could not see in myself and fostered it carefully. She had a brilliant and compassionate way of meeting people where they were to lead them where she could imagine them being. Although our loss is immense, I know she is now in her glory and would want us all to carry on the high ethics and standards she held and the apply the knowledge and skills she so freely taught. She will live on in all of us in this way.

Heather Burroughs, MSW student

In 2001/02, I was selected to participate in the Leadership Enhancement Program, we were required to complete a poster project. My poster project consisted of interviewing university leaders to help me better understand leadership roles and how leaders viewed their responsibility as a leader. Dr. Cheryl Green was one of the university leaders I selected to interview. She truly inspired me during our interview. The statement I decided to use from my interview with Dr. Green was as follows:

I only had the pleasure of Dr. Green's instruction for one class while attaining my MSW, but her knowledge base, passion and ability to care for so many others helped me find my place in social work. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.

Adrienne Dienst, MSW

Thanks for letting me know about Dr Green's passing. I am saddned to hear of it. She was an inspiration to me, both as a professional social worker and female, who managed to achieve so much professionally. One does not see too many Black females who have managed to reach the top of their profession and manage to make an impact in the classroom and the work place. I will keep her family in my prayers.

My first social work class was with Dr Green. On my first day of class she helped me realize that I had chosen the right major! I am happy I had the opportunity to tell her the positive influence she has had in my life. Her wisdom and sense of humor will be missed.

Dr. Green's death has left me with a great deal of sadness. I am thankful I had the opportunity to be one of her students. I will always be grateful to her for her kindness and encouragement on many occasions. My prayers are with her family during this difficult time.

When I first was hired as an Adjunct Professor, I had a great many questions. I was referred to Dr. Green, who responded to my email with one signed "Cheryl". She invited me to visit her in my office, answered all of my questions, made me feel so welcome, and offered future assistance (an offer that I accepted several more times). One of my concerns was the possibility of cancelling class at the last minute, as I have a child with a chronic medical condition who sometimes requires hospitalization. Cheryl immediately wrote down her home and cell phone numbers, and told me to call her if this happened, and she would either teach my (Monday 7:30 AM) class herself, or at least come over and post a sign for me cancelling class. I don't know anyone else who would do this for a virtual stranger. The earth is a better place for her having been here.

I attended UCF from 2000- 2002, enrolled in the MSW program. I remember very much enjoying Dr. Green's classes and found her to be truly devoted to the social work professsion. I remember her being extremely supportive to all of us embarking on a career in the field of social work. I am so sorry to hear of her passing but know her memory will live on within us all who learned from her and worked with her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her friends and family during this difficult time.

I am humbly priviledged to have had the distinct pleasure and honor in having had Prof. Green as my instructor while attending the MSW program at UCF. My fondest memory, and what I will hold most dear and miss most deeply about her, was her poised confidence and strength as a woman combined with her down-to-earth warmth, charm, and sense of humor. I am shocked and deeply saddened to hear about her loss. My thoughts and heart go out to her family, personal close friends, and her collegues.

Carmen Chang-Arratia, CSW, GC-C
Class of 2003
New York University School of Social Work - Doctoral Student

I am saddened to learn of the loss Dr. Green. I feel blessed and proud to have experienced her verve as both a student and colleague.

Sincerely,
Arlen Carey, Ph.D., L.I.C.S.W.
Winona State University Social Work Field Director

I am so sorry to hear about Dr. Green's passing...I graduated in 2000 but have always remembered her..She was a beautiful and intelligent woman...I learned so much from her...My thoughts and prayers are with her family...

Colleen Ritchie
Act Corp.

I was very sad to hear about Dr. Green. She was one of my professors and I enjoyed her class. God Bless her family during this tough time.

Cheryl was an exceptional colleague and a special friend. She came to the university at a time when many of us knew each other by name and we watched our children grow up together. In meetings, she was our mediator, and in times of personal strife, our Counselor. I shall miss her, not necessarily simply seeing her, but just knowing that she was always there. However, my personal faith reminds me that & reaffirms the belief that I shall see her again.

Martha Lue Stewart
College of Education, Educational Studies, University of Central Florida

I worked with Cheryl on several papers as a co author. She was a wonderful, caring, hard working person that it was my pleasure to know. I will miss her.

Linda Malone

I never had any classes with Dr. Green, but I used to see her in the halls and in and out of her office. She was always very pleasant to me, and her passing makes me sad.

Leanne Hunter, MSW '04

Dr. Green...
I was trying to think back and wondering if I told you enough how special you were to me. You inspired me to strive for greatness, and you never stopped believing in my ability to achieve my desired goals. You touched my life...and I loved every minute of being your assistant as a student and benefiting from your expertise and sense of humor as my professor. I will always remember your warm and motivational words and loving smile. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Jessica Fudge

Dr. Green was truly one of my favorite teachers. She kept me inspired throughout my School of Social Work Experience.

Sorrowful regrets,
Heather Hunt-Ergle

As the librarian who works directly with the Social Work faculty and students, I knew firsthand how committed Cheryl was to the students and the School of Social Work. When a new faculty member would join the School of Social Work, Cheryl always made it a point to introduce them to me. Cheryl was a professor that librarians enjoyed being around, she loved the library and always urged the students to use its many resources. I will miss Cheryl for many reasons, her friendliness, a supportive colleague, and an interest in the well being of others.

Cheryl,
You were an inspiration to an under classman some 25 years ago. Thank you for your insight. I promise I will never confuse you with your exmother-in-law. Fondly,

Deacon Walt Skinner
Class of '82
President St. Francis House of Hospitality

She was (by far) the very best teacher in the Social Work Program. She will be greatly missed!! Deepest sympathy and prayers for strength to her family!

Words can not express how much I admired Dr. Green. She inspired, motivated, and mesmerized me. And even though I feared her, I loved her as a person and a professor. I am so glad to have known her. I am also overjoyed and assured that she is now resting in the arms the Lord as she smiles down on us.

Having been a student of Dr. Green's in 1980-81, I have fond memories of the young professor imparting memorable ideals, both in class and with her participation in the newly formed Social Work club. I'm forever grateful for my memories (and pictures) of her at the club's social gatherings at Dr. Kazmerski's home. Today I'm a sadder, but wiser person because of Dr. Green.

I am so saddened to hear the news. Dr Green was one of the many amazing professors that got me through my MSW at UCF from 2001 to 2003. She was a wonderful woman and I am glad to have known her.

Tamara Blickem, MSW
Office of the Legal Defender

"An understanding heart is everything in a teacher..One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." Dr. Green gave me that understanding heart and taught me so much about social work and people. I will deeply miss her in so many ways.

Classy, Elegant and Professional. These are the words that describe Dr. Green. A positive influence in my life and education.

I will always cherish the invaluable life lessons you instilled in me. You will be remembered as an inspirational role model who helped me breath life into the C.A.R.E. Committee in the Dept. of Social Work.

Dr. Cheryl Green was a wonderful example of friendship, family and professionalism. She was a guiding light in the ever evolving field of Social Work. She will be missed on many levels.

Anita Norton

I am at a loss for words. The news of Dr. Green passing is of great loss, however I have fond memories of her. She was simply one of the best people I knew at UCF.

One of the MANY things that I learned from Dr. Green & repeat to my staff very often is her saying: "A positive stroke is better than a negative stroke, but a negative stroke is better than NO stroke at all." This was one of her explanations as to why an abused woman may stay with her abuser. I'm sure Dr. Green left many lasting impressions on a large majority of us.

Dr. Green encouraged me through my undergraduate degree as well as my graduate degree. As a professor she used humor and real life experiences to push her teaching to the highest level for her students to learn. She had such care and compassion for her students that I felt as I begin my career as a social worker, her words of wisdom will remain in my heart.

Dr. Green was my BSW student advisor and I took several classes with her. She was an inspirational teacher and she made learning fun and interesting. She had a great sense of humor and a huge heart. She was such a guiding light during my school years. Whenever I thought of UCF, she was the first professor who came to mind. It is hard to accept she no longer graces this earth and I am saddened to hear she is gone.

In 1979, as a student of social work and very young and naïve, Dr. Green took me to a level of diversity that has been my foundation for working with the youth at the Detention Center to Orange County public Schools SAFE program. As my daughter started UCF this year I shared stories of my professors and my transformation from sheltered to understanding of all cultures. My thoughts are with her family but they need to know her spirit is in all of us who are out in the community.

I have many fond memories of Dr. Green. She always made her students laugh with her jokes and made us feel better when we were feeling down. The way I remember her, she was not only a superb professor but also a superb human being. She made a lasting impression on all of her students and in the community. I feel honored that Dr. Green was my professor. She will be greatly missed.

Dr. Cheryl Green was not only one of the founding faculty of the UCF School of Social work. She embodied what it meant to be a social worker, and a professor. One could tell by her presence alone that she was perceptive, and insightful. One could observe in her eyes that she was wise, intelligent, and passionate. A sense of sadness and loss is felt throughout the School of Social Work. Dr. Green was the heart and soul that provided a constant pulse throughout the School of Social Work.

For a year and a half, I quietly sought Dr. Green's recognition and esteemed approval; never really feeling as if I'd ever achieve it. Ironically, in a five minute conversation, after an exam one night, she acknowledged me and my efforts in a way that both reinforced and rejuvenated my passion for this work. This experience humbled me in an indescribable way...She will be forever remembered!

I heard great things about Dr. Green, I never got a chance to meet her, but in my heart I did. This was my first year at UCF, so I never got a chance to introduce myself. She will be greatly miss.

Cheryl Green was my mentor and friend when I taught for the School of Social Work. Her sense of humor, wisdom, and insight were just some of her amazing qualities. I will never forget her kindness and her support. She handed the torch to hundreds of social workers in her role at UCF. The field has been enhanced by the gifts she gave her students.

Cheryl was very perceptive and reflective, an excellent colleague. She was a lively and very down to earth person. While she was matter-of-fact she had a marvelous sense of humor and her laughter was infectious. She was one of those who brightened the day and made UCF a vibrant, interesting, fun place to work.

Cheryl’s death is a profound loss for the School of Social Work and the community as well as her family. Her persistent dedication to the School and the profession of social work were instrumental in making the School what it is today. She was a gifted teacher both in the classroom and in mentoring students on an individual basis. She continually challenged students to gain a broader understanding of social issues in a way that engaged them in the process. The community is a better place because she worked with a variety of community organizations to bring needed services for people. She created invaluable opportunities for students to bridge their classroom learning with community service. For me personally, she was a valued colleague and friend as we shared our joys and trials of parenting and teaching.

I cannot express the sense of loss I feel. For those that know me I never seem to run out of things to say...but now I am at such a loss for words. How does one express the sense of loss that results when someone that has touched the very soul of so many is now with us only in spirit. Cheryl was one of my dearest friends and most respected colleagues. "Green" I will never forget you and you will always hold that special place in my heart.

Dr. Cheryl Green was not only my professor, but she was also my friend, one of the members on my dissertation committee, my mentor, my colleague and my confidante. She made a lasting impression on my life over the eleven years that I’ve known her. I will always cherish her infectious laughter, her passion to serve disadvantaged individuals, and her drive to perform at her best no matter the costs to self. Her loss has left a ‘hole’ in my heart that only time will heal. My desire is that those who knew Cheryl and know me will always see a little of her in me. May we always seek to treasure the memories we have of her.

In 1996 Dr. Cheryl Green was one of my Professor's in the BSW program. She provided me with guidance and help. After graduating with my MSW in 1998 Dr. Green assisted me, and helped guide me while I worked as an Adjunct Professor at UCF School of Social Work. She was always a staunch supporter and was instrumental in assisting me in obtaining my current position as a full time faculty member at the University of Cincinnati School of Social Work. Last October she attended the Ohio NASW conference where we spent time attending the conference together and talking about varied subjects. It never occurred to me that I would not see her again. My heart is heavy and the loss has been consuming. Cheryl had a way about her, her smile, the way she laughed and the way she would say something that was so true, without pretense. The world is better since she was here, and I am a better person because she was such a positive influence in my life.

Jan Ricks
School of Social Work, University of Cincinnati

I was notified tonight that Dr. Cheryl Green from the UCF School of Social Work died this afternoon very unexpectedly. Dr. Green was a founding faculty member and served UCF students for over 30 years. She has touched so many lives and will be sadly missed. She worked with our Social Work interns and other students who have been involved with the Center.

Dr. Green was also a former employee of our Osceola Counseling Center during the late 70's. During her tenure with "Thee Door" she made a significant contribution to our MEDS program (Medication Education about Drugs for Seniors) a federally funded program that paved the way for the work that Victoria Adams is doing today with older adults. Cheryl was had a strong sense of purpose and a wonderful sense of humor. She will be missed by all of us that knew her.