Feature Article
Out with the Old, In with the New
For many alumni, memories of their social work education include intellectually stimulating courses, expert faculty, and – let’s be honest – less-than-glamorous classrooms. The strongest offenders are the window-less basement classrooms, but hopefully only for one more semester. This summer, we are planning for Caster to undergo a set of renovations that will enhance the building’s function and utility, and (to the joy of students) let natural light into the basement classrooms.
As an innovative and cutting-edge leader in social work education, the School has continuously enhanced its programs over the course of its 100 year history. While thousands of passer-bys on Locust Walk hustle past Caster each day, the School has been busy undergoing an internal transformation. In the past four years alone, Caster has seen the addition of a brand-new computer lab, two completely renovated classrooms (with state-of-the art technology), and a new student lounge. The academic offerings have expanded to include masters degrees in Social Policy and Nonprofit/Non-Governmental Leadership, and a doctoral degree in clinical social work. New faculty who are experts in their fields have joined the School, alumni have re-engaged with their alma mater, and student enrollment matches the building’s maximum carrying capacity.
Having worked from the inside out, the School is now ready to undergo an external transformation that will center SP2 and its mission on the main artery of Penn’s campus. The renovations will:
- Relocate the main entrance to the south side of the building, so that Caster’s front door opens onto Locust Walk;
- Add a multi-purpose room on the main floor of Caster;
- Add windows to the basement classrooms;
- Renovate the bathrooms on the main levels to create gender-neutral, ADA compliant facilities;
- Transform the lobby into a modern and inviting entrance that opens the School of Social Policy & Practice to students, alumni, visitors, and members of the Penn community, and houses the School’s Centennial Wall.
Renovation is slated to begin this summer, and additional previews of the plan will be incorporated into the Alumni Weekend schedule of events. Preparations for the Centennial are underway, and when the celebration kicks off later this year, the School will have much to show off. And, rather than simply leaving it at “Out with the old, in with the new,” the SP2 is getting ready to “celebrate its history, embrace its future.”
For more information about supporting this project, contact Nadina Deigh, Director of Development, at 215-898-5518 or deighn@sp2.upenn.edu.
