On Friday, November 20 we will be hosting The Second Curtis J. Berger Symposium on Mental Health and the Law in partnership with Columbia Law School and the New York City Bar Committee on Mental Health Law.

Many of those attending the symposium however are unfamiliar with the story behind Curtis Berger's commitment to help The Bridge house New York's most vulnerable men and women. Curtis Berger was a teacher, scholar, lawyer, humanitarian, "birder" and volunteer who approached everything he did with tremendous gusto and dedication. He served The Bridge as a board member for close to twenty years and as president for six years. He joined the Columbia Law School faculty in 1962 and was named Lawrence A. Wien Professor of Real Estate, a position he held until his death in 1998.

With humor, intellect and integrity, he paved the way for our success. Under his presidency, The Bridge created new housing for 100 clients and added programs for the homeless. Under his leadership in two capital campaigns, the agency raised over $4 million to relocate The Bridge to a larger building which is still our current headquarters on Manhattan's Upper West Side (pictured left). He also went on to acquire, renovate and furnish the adjacent building, which was joined to the headquarters.

In September 1999, The Board of Directors named our headquarters "The Curtis J. Berger Building" in his memory - a fitting and lasting tribute to a truly dedicated public servant and outstanding human being.

The symposium on Friday, November 20 is only one of the many ways The Bridge is paying tribute to Curtis Berger and his family especially Vivian O. Berger (current board member of The Bridge) for their many years of service towards The Bridge.