Alumni
Sandra “Sandi” Solomon (MSW ’80)
Current Chair, School of Social Work Board of Visitors
Please tell us more about your career.
Prior to pursuing an MSW from the Pitt School of Social Work, I worked as a caseworker in a hospital and in community mental health. Following graduation in 1980, I decided to pursue a newly developing specialty in occupational mental health. Through a lucky conversation at the Mt. Lebanon swimming pool, I met the director of human resources for Westinghouse Electric Corporation. I convinced him—and myself—that I could present a seminar on stress management for employees. This seminar was the start of my corporate consulting business. I hired social workers, and together we developed employee assistance programs, stress management seminars, and executive coaching services. I have followed a nontraditional path, using my social work skills and training to create new opportunities and become
an entrepreneur.
What are some of your fondest memories of Pitt Social Work?
My brother and I were in school together. We both took Paulina McCullough’s class on family systems and were always willing to share our family stories. Paulina was certainly a favorite faculty member, but so were other professors, such as Ed Sites. I would not have started graduate school without the support of Barbara Shore. My daughter was not quite 2 years old, and Barbara convinced me that with the three-year program, I could do this. She was right. And then there was the Original Hot Dog Shop. My brother and I celebrated the end of each week with a chili dog at the O. Best ever!
What motivates you to give to Pitt Social Work?
I had not been involved with the school until I retired and my dear friend Jim McDonald (former chair of the Board of Visitors) connected me to Dean [Betsy] Farmer. As I became more engaged, my husband and I decided we wanted to recognize the importance of social work values and the school’s mission with our philanthropic investment.
Do you support a specific fund or program at the school?
Sadly, my brother passed away recently. Helping adolescents was a passion for him. In his honor, I created the Charles Goldstein Student Resource Fund to support education-related expenses for students who plan to focus on adolescentmental health.
What other causes or organizations do you support?
The School of Social Work is my primary commitment, but I also support the growth and development of arts initiatives in the city of Pittsburgh. I am the former chair of the board of the Greater Pittsburgh Arts Council and currently serve on the board of City Theatre.
What parting words do you have for your fellow Pitt Social Work alumni?
Giving isn’t something that comes with requirements. You don’t have to give a certain amount of money or time to help others and make a positive impact on the community. I would encourage alumni at all stages of their careers, whether they are recent graduates or seasoned professionals, to look inward and really think about how they can personally make an impact on others. This will guide their decision to give and help them to create lasting changes that are truly meaningful.