In June, 2007 U of T received the largest gift ever made to a faculty of social work anywhere in North America – $15 million from Lynn Factor, a social worker for 25 years, and her husband Sheldon Inwentash, a U of T alumnus. With this generous funding, the faculty was renamed the Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work. Five endowed chairs and 50 graduate student scholarships have now been established.

“Over my years of practice, I have learned that the voice of Social Work has not been heard loudly enough,” says Ms. Factor. “We need outstanding graduates and outstanding schools that are open to dedicated men and women regardless of financial need.”

With the donors’ support, the Factor-Inwentash Faculty will have a broad impact on how society supports and cares for the most vulnerable. “For years, I have contemplated how I would give back in the event I became a success,” adds Mr. Inwentash. “It was Lynn who ultimately inspired this gift and it is my gift to her for all she has taught me about social justice.”