New Gregoire Fund Supports Addiction and Recovery
October 21, 2021
“What happens to people with addiction disorders? Some people in recovery become deans at The Ohio State University College of Social Work. I share this with you to combat stigma. As you see me, please see just one of millions who are evidence that treatment works and recovery happens.”
Never one to draw attention to himself, in this rare moment during a speech, Dean Tom Gregoire uses his own addiction struggles and 42 years of sobriety to emphasize the importance and success of effective treatment and recovery.
It is in this same spirit that the College of Social Work introduces the A.T. “Greg” and Charlotte Gregoire Fund in Addiction and Recovery Scholarship to support College of Social Work students in recovery from substance use disorders and students pursuing a career in the addictions field. As Tom’s tenure comes to an end, this scholarship honors his loving parents.
When Tom accepted the challenge to lead the College of Social Work in 2010, he continued his mission to advance the understanding of addiction — one of society’s most vexing social problems. His research focuses on access to substance misuse treatment and treatment among vulnerable populations. It includes a plethora of peer-reviewed publications, principal investigator roles on research projects and teaching classes. The new Gregoire scholarship will transform his research interests into the lives of students.
As Tom often notes, addiction is a chronic illness characterized by profound and seemingly permanent changes in the brain structure that leave an individual permanently vulnerable to the influence of drugs and alcohol. There is no cure, but just like other diseases, when managed well on a long-term basis, people recover and live healthy lives. When people relapse, it is usually because there are not sufficient long-term treatment and support systems available. And that is where the training, education and support of College of Social Work students has its greatest impact.
By contributing to the A.T. “Greg” and Charlotte Gregoire Fund in Addiction and Recovery Scholarship, you will be supporting Tom’s dedication to addressing addiction and recovery.
Give to Fund #483760 online at give.osu.edu/gregoirelegacy.
