Administrators and donors cracked jokes and spread thank-you's around a gleaming three-stories-tall atrium Friday at the ribbon-cutting and dedication ceremony of the Heller School's new Irving Schneider and Family Building.The Heller School of Social Policy and Management consistently ranks among the top five graduate schools in social policy in U.S. News and World Report, and is currently ranked number three.

Prof. Stuart Altman, the prominent health care expert who headed the school in the 1980s, returned as dean in January, and the school is considering various new graduate programs, including a Master's in Public Policy.

With recent increases in student enrollment, Heller professors and administrators have looked toward the building's opening with great anticipation.

"We're just bursting at the seam," Jerry Borren, then the assistant to the Heller Dean, told the Justice last fall, indicating a need for more classroom space.

The building, made possible primarily by a $15-million gift from Irving Schneider, opened last month.

The project cost $13.8 million, according to Vice President for Capital Projects Dan Feldman.

Reinharz was especially grateful to Schneider, who at age 87 does not travel from his home in New York. His daughter Lynn-who took the podium to extended applause-and several grandchildren were in attendance.

"Without Irving Schneider, we wouldn't be here today," Reinharz said.

Schneider, a prominent philanthropist who has donated to a variety of causes including children's hospitals in the United States and Israel, is a trustee emeritus of the University.

Reinharz highlighted the Heller School as an academic jewel for the University.

The Heller School was the University's first professional school.

Reinharz also said the new building is a jewel, crediting architect Kyu Sung Woo, who also designed the Village residence halls.

"I wish I had thought ahead and made this the administration building," Reinharz said to roaring laughter.

Tom Glynn, a Heller alumnus and a member of the Board of Trustees, welcomed guests and thanked Reinharz for his support of the Heller School.

After the ceremony, Lynn Schneider said her father would be very happy with the building.

"This building answered the call of what was needed," she said. "And it does it graciously.