Stainmans Endow CSSW’s First Full-Tuition Fellowship in Memory of Seymour Kline (MS’54)

Arthur and Lois Stainman have established an endowed fellowship program with a $2.7 million gift to the Columbia School of Social Work in honor of Mrs. Stainman’s father, Seymour L. Kline, who earned his M.S. in social work at CSSW. Beginning this autumn, the Seymour L. Kline fellowship will offer full tuition support to two incoming students for both years of their M.S. studies. As such, it marks the first full-tuition scholarship award to be offered by the School. A 1954 graduate of the Columbia School of Social Work, Seymour L. Kline spent his career as director of community centers in various cities throughout the United States and Canada.

A kind and caring man with a wonderful sense of humor, Mr. Kline attended the School after he was married and a father—and the financial burdens were substantial. “My father believed the education he received at the Columbia School of Social Work helped him throughout his career and enabled him to achieve success." Mrs. Stainman said.  "We decided to offer these fellowships in his memory so that students wouldn’t have to enter the work world faced with overwhelming debt. We hope that this investment in their education will allow the recipients to choose work because of its social importance and not merely for its financial remuneration.”

Dean Jeanette Takamura expressed her gratitude for the Stainmans’ gift. “Lois and Arthur Stainman are visionary supporters of our School. Their foresight and generosity mean we will be able to attract and educate the most promising MS candidates, regardless of financial need. Seymour Kline would surely be gratified to know that future fellowship recipients, who would otherwise be unable to attend Columbia, will now pursue their dreams of making change in the world through social work.”

Mr. Stainman is a senior managing director of First Manhattan Company, an investment firm, and serves on the boards of Food Bank for New York City, United Neighborhood Houses of New York and The Voice Charter School. Mrs. Stainman is a volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.