June 21, 1898

First Summer School in Philanthropic Work, under the auspices of the Charity Organization Society, established in New York; 25 men and women attend classes at 105 East 22nd Street; remained primary training source until 1904.

Oct. 3, 1904

The first eight-month course of full-time graduate study is offered at the newly renamed New York School of Philanthropy. To ensure cooperation with Columbia University, Columbia’s president is an ex-officio member of the Society’s special committee responsible for the School’s affairs.

1904 First subway begins operation.

1911–12

Bequest of John S. Kennedy allows School to hire full-time faculty to teach complete courses. Course of study is now two years; second-year field work requirement instituted.

1919

Name changed to New York School of Social Work.

1927

Holland Tunnel opens.

1929

The Great Depression increases the need for trained social workers. New York State Public Welfare Act passed.

1930s

Old Age Security Act passed, making New York the first state to provide benefits for the elderly; severe welfare, unemployment and housing problems in NYC.

1930s Works Progress Administration, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, the Social Security Act and other programs temporarily revive the social welfare system in New York City. School’s coursework is designed to address the issues resulting from changes in governmental policy toward social welfare.

1931

The School moves to 122 East 22nd Street, the Russell Sage Building. George Washington Bridge opens. Temporary Emergency Relief Administration formed, and New York becomes first state to provide unemployment relief; funds soon exhausted.

1932

Rep. Fiorello H. LaGuardia and Senator Robert F. Wagner secure relief appropriation from Congress.

1939–40

World’s Fair is held at Flushing Meadows.

1940

The School is affiliated with Columbia as one of its graduate schools; the M.S. degree is awarded.

1940s The social climate during and after the war presents a host of new challenges for social workers, leading to sharp rise in applications from more men than ever before.

1949

The School moves to the Carnegie Mansion at 2 East 91st Street.

1951

United Nations Headquarters completed.

1952

First doctoral degree awarded, raising academic level of social work from practice to a policy discipline.

1956

The School’s first professorship, the Marion E. Kenworthy Chair in Psychiatry, is established.

1964–68

Welfare benefits expanded under President Lyndon B. Johnson, Medicare program established, NYC’s welfare benefits raised to the highest level in the nation.

1964 Verrazano-Narrows Bridge opens.

1966

School launches major longitudinal study of foster children, their families and the agencies serving them; influences national policy.

1970

School’s governance system changes dramatically to involve students.

1971

School moves to McVickar Hall on Columbia’s campus.

1973

World Trade Center is dedicated.

1975

New York City’s fiscal problems arise.

1978

Welfare benefits cut, payments limited, homelessness rises.

1980s

Coalition for the Homeless and Legal Aid Society successfully sue the city to establish the poor’s legal right to housing; homeless shelters and soup kitchens open. Federal government reduces housing programs, restricts welfare, disability payments, school hot-lunch programs and food stamps.

1983

School opens educational site on campus of SUNY–Purchase. City’s recovery from ‘75 fiscal crisis marked by successful issuance of new City notes.

1991

First fully endowed professorship established, followed by the full endowment of the Kenworthy Chair and seven additional endowed professorships.

1996

McVickar Hall undergoes extensive renovations; technological innovations include new electronic classroom and computer lab.

1997

Agreement with the United Nations Economic and Social Council Secretariat, new program support and fellowship. School’s endowment rises to $40 million.

1998

Columbia University School of Social Work marks Centennial.