Bertram M. Beck, Social Service Educator, Dies

NEW YORK (April 4, 2000) – Bertram M. Beck, a respected member of the Fordham University community and a long-time community leader in the field of social service died April 3 after a long battle with cancer. He was 82. Mr. Beck began his career at Fordham in 1985 as a professor of social service, lecturing students on social policy. His first-hand knowledge of the topic, enthusiasm and optimism led to his appointment as associate dean position in 1987. In 1996 he became Special Assistant to the Dean, a position he held at the time of his death. “He was a charismatic leader with great vision, integrity and curiosity,” said Graduate School of Social Work Dean Mary Ann Quaranta. “He was a brilliant man who had a most distinguished career in social work. We are really going to miss him.” Prior to joining Fordham, Mr. Beck headed a number of prestigious social organizations. From 1977 to 1985 he was general director of the Community Service Society of New York City, an organization that focuses its efforts on income maintenance, health care, affordable housing and education for lower-income city residents. Before that Mr. Beck was executive director of Henry Street Urban Life Center (1967-1977) and served as executive director of Mobilization for Youth (1965-1969). At Fordham Mr. Beck was instrumental in creating the managed care institute and the religion and poverty institute, which was named in his honor prior to his death. “He was a real Renaissance man,” said Dean Quaranta. “He traveled widely, was a gourmet cook, a devotee of the arts – he had an impact on any group he was in, and anyone he was with. He was just a wonderful role model.”