By Carol Logan, communications intern

Harriet Cohen, associate professor of social work, received the Deans’ Research and Creativity Award for her research on Holocaust survivors at the December commencement ceremony.

David Jenkins, professor and chair of the Department of Social Work, said, “Dr. Cohen serves as a research mentor for both faculty and students. She has been instrumental in assisting other faculty, furthering their research and obtaining funding for their projects.”

Cohen said, “It is an incredible honor to have been selected, but for me, this award recognizes the urgent and critical nature of my research to document the inspiring and powerful lessons that Holocaust survivors have to share. Each year the number of Holocaust survivors decreases, and soon there will be no one left to tell their personal stories of loss, survivorship and resiliency.”

Cohen grew up in Jackson, Miss., during the 1950s and ’60s. “I saw and experienced segregation and persecution of African Americans, Jews and others in the community. My rabbi’s home and our synagogue were bombed because of the activism and advocacy for civil rights. Those early experiences stayed with me and have been a driving force. I saw that we have a responsibility to others and that courageous leadership is needed in order to change attitudes and beliefs and to challenge immoral and unjust policies.”

Cohen joined the TCU faculty in 2005 and soon began her research on Holocaust survivors as well as older lesbian and gay adults. Cohen’s passion is the study of older adults. “I want to learn from them about resiliency and hope and overcoming oppression,” Cohen said.

“My research reflects who I am and what I believe, as a Jew, a social worker and a human being. I learned we have to contribute to help make the world a better place. Part of my contribution is to understand these people who have lived through oppression, discrimination and horrific atrocities, and have rebuilt their lives and contributed to this country,” Cohen said.

Cohen said, “The Holocaust reminds us why the TCU mission statement is such a powerful message. Edmund Burke said something to the effect that all it takes for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing. The TCU mission statement challenges us to act in ethical ways that will result in actions that are caring, compassionate and principled, in stark contrast to decisions and actions of the Nazis.”

Cohen’s research has resulted in a video titled Rebuilt Lives: Post War Contributions of Holocaust Survivors, with footage of Cohen interviewing Holocaust Survivors.

In Cohen’s research statement, she writes, “What my research teaches is that older adults who have overcome individual, family and community trauma; and have experienced incredible oppression, unthinkable atrocities and unimaginable losses can teach such incredible lessons about resiliency, survivorship and hope.”

That is powerful research indeed.