From the winter 2008 issue of UConn Momentum
The death of a longtime faculty member in the School of Social Work (SSW) has prompted an outpouring of support to establish a scholarship in his name.
Albert Alissi, D.S.W. died August 21, 2007 during his early morning jog when he was struck by a car near his vacation home on Cape Cod. He was a professor at the University of Connecticut School of Social Work for nearly 40 years, and was widely known for his dedication to group work, his popularity among students, and his work outside the classroom putting ideas into practice throughout the community.
He retired in 2003, but continued to teach in the doctoral program, served on several doctoral dissertation committees and had recently completed an article for the Social Work Encyclopedia on the history of social group work.
To honor his memory, a “Celebration of the Life & Work of Albert Alissi” was held at the school in November, with more than 200 people in attendance. Colleagues and alumni spoke eloquently about the impact Alissi had on their personal and professional lives, and his many contributions to social work and group work practice. An endowed scholarship fund has been established in his memory, which has attracted more than 100 donors to date, including Alissi’s family.
Alissi’s background and passion for the field and for students fit the spirit of a scholarship well. He was president of the Open Hearth homeless shelter in Hartford from 1984 to 1992, and remained a board member thereafter. He also served on the board or held leadership positions at Families in Crisis, Hartford Neighborhood Centers, Community Partners in Action and the Springfield Boys Club. Among his many honors and distinctions are the 2003 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Connecticut Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers and the 2003 International Social Group Work Award from the Association for the Advancement of Social Work with Groups.
“Al inspired and supported students in so many ways, both while at the school and as alumni,” says Catherine Havens, M.S.W. program director. “He was a faculty member who students came back to see and seek advice from long after they had graduated. Al was a fierce advocate for students and would do anything to help them learn. A scholarship in his name is the perfect way for his legacy to continue.”
