Janice D. Schakowsky
United States Representative

 The Chicago School of Professional Psychology granted an honorary Doctor of Psychology degree to United States Representative Janice D. Schakowsky of Illinois' 9th Congressional District. Dr. Michael Horowitz, president of The Chicago School, presented the honorary degree to Rep. Schakowsky at the recent graduation ceremony held on October 22, 2000, at the Bank One Auditorium, One Bank One Plaza in Chicago.

Dr. Horowitz cited Schakowsky’s record of strong advocacy for mental health issues both as a congresswoman since 1998, and prior to that, as a representative in the Illinois State Assembly. He further noted her ongoing efforts in support of patients with mental illness in psychiatric care units such as the Somerset House in the Uptown area of Chicago, and the Albany Care and Greenwood Home in Evanston.

“We are fortunate to have a legislator in Washington who is and has been for many years a champion of mental healthcare issues,” said Dr. Horowitz. “It is not only because of her grasp and understanding of the serious need for adequate mental healthcare for all citizens, but also because of her willingness to stand up and fight for persons who are not able to fight for themselves.”

Summary of Remarks

Rep. Schakowsky graciously accepted the honorary degree and thanked Dr. Horowitz and the school. She congratulated the graduates, commending them for their achievements and the good work that they as dedicated psychology professionals had done and would do in the future.

After sharing several enlightening experiences with constituents that illustrated the need for psychology practitioners to also be advocates, Schakowsky ended with the following encouraging advice to the graduates:

“As you go forward in the practice of your craft to community-based programs, to hospitals, and to private practices, please manage to shave off a bit of your time for advocacy and bear in mind these facts: Your best advocates may turn out to be the patients, clients, and families that you serve.”

“Never forget to do what you can to help those of us in the legislative arena stay informed so we can continue to fight. We must remove the stigma that society places on mental illness and work to ensure that all citizens have access to adequate mental healthcare.”

“And, most importantly, please remember—You are not alone in the fight!”