IN MEMORIAM

IN MEMORIAM

Maurice F. Connery

Professor of Social Welfare, Emeritus

 Los Angeles

 1918–1999

Maurice F. Connery, a dean and educator, died on December 10, 1999 of cancer at the age of 81. He spent much of his career at UCLA, retiring in 1986, and was likely best known for his involvement professionally with many aspects of social work, including child welfare, alcoholism, and public policy.

Born on May 3, 1918 in Beverly, Massachusetts, Connery graduated from Johns Hopkins University where he was a scholarship student. He then took a short break to serve his country during World War II. After military service, he went on to obtain his M.A. and doctorate from Columbia University. It was there that he met his wife, Mary Halfleigh, who died at home in 1995.

Connery taught at the University of Minnesota, Smith College, and Syracuse University before joining the faculty at UCLA's School of Social Welfare in 1962.

As Professor of Social Welfare he was an outstanding teacher, revered by students and colleagues alike. For over twenty years he was responsible for the major theoretical course in human development for all M.S.W. students. While consistently imparting basic concepts he never failed to update content in light of new research developments or changing social conditions.

His greatest contributions to UCLA and to the profession of Social Work were made during the years of his deanship from 1969 until 1983. Through his leadership and steadying influence the School of Social Welfare navigated the sometimes turbulent transition years during which both faculty and student body as well as curriculum came to reflect the diversity in the larger society and the city of Los Angeles.

As dean, Maurice Connery's recruitment efforts significantly increased the diversity within the faculty. He took an active role in mentoring junior faculty, facilitating their career development by assisting them to secure funding for release time and research endeavors, offering personal guidance in developing their research agendas, and providing encouragement by acknowledging their skills and contributions to the School. He maintained an open door policy as dean, readily available to discuss issues with both faculty and students.

He is survived by his sister Catherine Simpson, of Prides Crossing, Massachusetts; his two sons, Christopher, of Santa Cruz and Peter, of La Selva Beach California; and his five grandchildren, Sandy, born to Christopher and his wife Mary Scott, and John, Laura, James, and Christina, born to Peter and his wife Susan Brutschy.

Diane de Anda

Jeanne Giovannoni