October 2011

Get Out the Moving Vans: School of Social Work moves on Up the East Side

The new Silberman School of Social Work.

When students and faculty of the Lois V. and Samuel J. Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College return to school this fall, they won’t be complaining about tight quarters and long elevator waits. They’ll be heading to a brand new building on East 119th.

With $48 million in proceeds from the sale of the school’s former home on 79th Street by The Trust’s Silberman Fund, we made a $30 million grant to CUNY to help pay for construction, and put the remaining $18 million in an endowed fund to benefit the field of social work. This complex and artfully managed real-estate transaction took four years to complete, but was well worth the time and effort.

Moving uptown puts the school closer to neighborhoods that need social services. “It’s a chance to live our mission,” Jacqueline Mondros, dean of the school, said in a statement.

“We are honored that the Silbermans chose The Trust to carry out their legacy,” says Lorie Slutsky, president of The Trust. “This new building rewards students and faculty who have chosen to devote themselves to public service, thanks to donors who share that devotion.”