Perched on Manufactures Hanover Trust Company's 49th floor amid a backdrop of city lights, a crowd of 100 gathered to honor Michael W. Robbins, the first recipient of the Carroll Kowal Journalism Award. The event, held on November 20, 1991, marked the beginning of an annual award presentation created to honor journalists for enhancing public awareness of social conditions in New York City.

Mr. Robbins was recognized for his article, "Sparing the Child: What To Do When You Suspect Abuse," which appeared in New York Magazine in its December 10, 1990 issue. The Jury for the Carroll Kowal Journalism Award, which reviewed all entries and underwent an extensive selection process, found the article to be "extremely effective, factual, and very moving." Mr. Robbins recently won the 1991 National Magazine Award for the same article.

The late Carroll Kowal, for whom the award is named, was an outstanding social worker who brought the profession into the field of housing. She was known as a leader in social welfare and housing policy in both New York City and New York State. In 1988 she was elected President of the New York City Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, but due to a fatal illness never served.

In honor of what Ms. Kowal exemplified in improving conditions in New York City, the Chapter established the Award to recognize outstanding contributions toward improving the public's knowledge of social conditions in the city.

The reception and dinner honoring Michael Robbins was hosted by Manufacturers Hanover Trust in co-sponsorship with the New York City Chapter.

The Carroll Kowal Awards Jury members were Dr. Mitchell Ginsberg, Dr. Marsha Martin, Dr. Mary Ann Quaranta, Ms. Grace Logrande, Mr. John Oakes, and Ms. Irma Serrano. Dr. Elaine Walsh chairs the NASW Awards Committee which coordinated the event.

Mr. Robbins was a free-lance writer for New York Magazine at the time he wrote the article. He was a feature writer for the Sunday magazine of the Washington Post and holds a Ph.D. in American Civilization from George Washington University. He is currently the editor of Audubon Magazine.