Alumna donates extraordinary sculpture to her alma mater

Union Institute & University Ph.D. 1983 alumna Dr. Constance (Connie) McCatherin Silver has donated one of her unique colorful and whimsical 2- and 3-dimensional masked human figures named “Whoopie, 2015” to her doctoral alma mater.

Dr. Silver, known to the art world as C.McSilver, is a conceptual abstract artist. Her art reflects her background as a psychoanalyst and social worker blending inherent humor with colorful extravagance in both 2D and 3D formats that reflect the struggles and joy of the human psyche. Her artwork is part of private and corporate collections.

Dr. Webb, President of Union Institute & University, reflects on Dr. Silver’s generosity.

“We are honored by this gift and by Dr. Silver’s commitment to Union Institute & University. She is a champion of education, social justice, and philanthropy, a prominent forensics trainer, and consultant. Dr. Constance McCatherin Silver is also a world-renowned artist who has generously donated proceeds from the sales of her work to a variety of causes. As made palpable in this lovely and joyous sculpture, Dr. Silver has lived a rich patchwork quilt of a life, each square symbolizing a deep-seated contribution to society – artfully linked by and connected to her abiding desire to serve and empower others.

Whether through her professional work, her philanthropy, or her glorious art, Dr. Silver exemplifies Union Institute & University’s beloved vision to transform lives and communities.”

In 2007, along with her husband, Martin Silver, she founded the McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research at New York University. She is a member of the NYU Board of Trustees. Dr. Silver has shown fierce dedication and courage as a champion in the fight against inequality. Working together with her husband, Dr. Silver has helped to transform the field of social work, setting the highest bar as a philanthropist committed to social change and bettering the lives of all people.

In addition to her Ph.D. from Union Institute & University, she holds a B.S. degree in social work and an M.S.W. from NYU.

To learn more about Dr. Silver, view her biography.

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