BCSSW students, faculty, staff, and alumni will participate in the 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's

In this file photo, members of the BCSSW community pose for a photo during the 2024 Walk to End Alzheimer's. Courtesy photo.

“Come for the cause, but stay for the community.”

That’s how Tina Matz, associate professor at the șÚÁÏčÙÍű College School of Social Work, describes the value of participating in the Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the world’s largest fundraiser for Alzheimer’s care, support, and research.

“The Walk is a joyful, hope-filled event that reminds us of the impact we can have together,” says Matz, who has organized BCSSW’s participation in the annual event since 2018. “Even if you haven’t been directly touched by Alzheimer’s, you’ll be moved by the stories, the sense of purpose, and the energy of being part of something larger than yourself.”

Originally called Memory Walk, the Walk to End Alzheimer’s began in 1989 and is now held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide. 

This year, Matz teamed up with BCSSW’s Alumni Association to bring students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends together at North Point Park, a scenic spot located along the Charles River on the border of Cambridge and șÚÁÏčÙÍű. 

There’s still time to join , which hopes to raise $2,000 to support the Alzheimer’s Association’s research toward preventing, treating, and ultimately curing a disease that affects over 7 million Americans.

The Walk, on Sunday, October 26, exemplifies BCSSW’s theme for the academic year: “Accompaniment in Action.” At its heart, accompaniment means walking alongside others—sharing their burdens and hopes, staying present as long as needed, and being continually renewed through genuine relationships, especially with those on the margins.

“The Walk to End Alzheimer’s embodies that spirit in both a literal and symbolic way,” says Matz, who also chairs the older adults and families department at BCSSW. “We walk in solidarity with older adults, caregivers, and families navigating dementia, affirming that they are not alone.”

Her favorite moments from past walks have come from seeing students and their families participate together, honoring loved ones affected by the disease. Some students have brought their children to honor a grandparent, while others have walked alongside parents who were caregivers.

“Listening to their reflections on how their BCSSW education prepared them to support families—or how their personal experiences caring for loved ones inspired them to enter this field—is always incredibly moving,” she says. “Those are the full-circle moments that make the Walk so special. It’s filled with quiet but profound connections that remind us why we do this work.”

We spoke with Matz to learn more about BCSSW’s ongoing participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s, the impact it has on the community, and how it embodies the School’s commitment to accompaniment.

January 24, 2024 -- Tina Matz, Associate Professor at șÚÁÏčÙÍű College's School of Social Work.

Tina Matz, associate professor at the șÚÁÏčÙÍű College School of Social Work. Photo by Caitlin Cunningham for BC Photography.

First of all, how many students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends have joined BCSSW’s Walk team so far?

As of this week, we have 18 individuals who have joined our BCSSW team from across the BCSSW community—students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends. We hope to have many more join us. It’s always inspiring to see people from different cohorts and roles come together around a shared cause.

For how many years has BCSSW participated in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

I first began organizing the BCSSW team to participate in the annual Walk to End Alzheimer’s in 2018, when I became Chair of the Older Adults and Families Department. Before that, my predecessor, Katie McInnis-Dittrich, informally gathered groups to walk together for many years. The event has since become a meaningful tradition for our School and a way to strengthen connections across generations, fields of practice, and cohorts within the MSW and doctoral programs and across faculty, staff, and student lines.

This year marks an especially exciting milestone—it’s the first time we’ve formally partnered with the BCSSW Alumni Association, and we’re so excited about the community-building and intergenerational engagement this collaboration can foster.

What fundraising goal have you set for this year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

Our goal this year is to raise $2,000 for the Alzheimer’s Association, and I’m thrilled to share that we’ve already raised $1,075. I’m hopeful we can exceed our goal in the weeks ahead. Every dollar supports vital research, caregiver assistance, and programs for families living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

How does BCSSW’s participation in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s reflect its commitment to accompaniment?

At BCSSW, accompaniment means walking alongside others—listening deeply, sharing burdens and hopes, and being transformed through authentic connection. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s embodies that spirit in both a literal and symbolic way. We walk in solidarity with older adults, caregivers, and families navigating dementia, affirming that they are not alone.

This event also beautifully reflects our School’s theme of “Accompaniment in Action.” It’s not just about raising funds—it’s about bearing witness, showing up, and building relationships that sustain us all. In that sense, the Walk is a small but powerful expression of our collective commitment to dignity, empathy, and social justice in aging and caregiving.

What would you say to encourage members of the BCSSW community to join the School’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s team?

I’d say: “Come for the cause, but stay for the community!” The Walk is a joyful, hope-filled event that reminds us of the impact we can have together. Even if you haven’t been directly touched by Alzheimer’s, you’ll be moved by the stories, the sense of purpose, and the energy of being part of something larger than yourself. Whether you join the Walk, make a small donation, or cheer from afar, your participation matters. Plus, it's a gorgeous walk along the Charles and through the City of Cambridge.

What do you enjoy most about the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

What I love most is the sense of togetherness. The sea of colorful flowers, families walking hand-in-hand, the laughter and the tears—it’s such a powerful visual of resilience and love. I also love seeing our students connect with one another, alumni, staff, and faculty outside the classroom, united by shared values and compassion.

What’s the most meaningful memory you have from participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s?

Some of the most meaningful moments for me are when students come, sometimes joined by family members or friends, who have been deeply affected by the disease and are walking in solidarity—perhaps their grandparent recently passed away, and they’ve brought their parent who was the primary caregiver, or they themselves were caregivers and brought their children to honor their loved one.

Listening to their reflections on how their BCSSW education prepared them to support families—or how their personal experiences caring for loved ones inspired them to enter this field—is always incredibly moving. Those are the full-circle moments that make the Walk so special. It’s filled with quiet but profound connections that remind us why we do this work.

Is there anything else that you would like to add?

I’d just add how proud I am of our community for showing up year after year—not only for this event, but for older adults, caregivers, and those affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s as young or midlife adults. The Walk to End Alzheimer’s lasts just one morning, but the spirit of accompaniment it represents is something BCSSW lives out all year long.

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