The University of Southern California has announced a $60 million gift from alumna Suzanne Dworak-Peck ('65, MSW '67) to endow and name the USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work.

With the aim of driving discovery of new knowledge and furthering the education of the next generation of leaders in social work, the gift will enable the largest school of social work in the world to continue to influence social work policy, research, and education. "We stand ready to accomplish real social change, and Suzanne Dworak-Peck's transformational gift will enable us to do so by expanding our presence and our influence in discussions that matter, whether they are in the business, political, nonprofit, or policy spheres," said Marilyn L. Flynn, the school's dean. "Inspired by Suzanne's leadership, we will strive to transform the role of the social worker in a way that allows us to influence the work of the public sector and private sector in order to achieve great social good."

A longtime social work practitioner and leader who amassed a fortune through savvy investments, Dworak-Peck has served as president of both the National Association of Social Workers and the organization's California chapter and founded NASW Communications Network, Inc. to provide the media and entertainment industries with a centralized source of information about social issues.

"My wish is that this endowment will create greater awareness and understanding for the local, national and global community about the profound impact of the social work profession," said Dworak-Peck. "By educating and building professional social workers who are visionary game changers, we are investing in solutions to society's significant problems, like homelessness and poverty."