UW News

May 19, 2005

Fund established to honor former social work professor

The School of Social Work is establishing a visiting professorship in honor of Henry Maier, a beloved mentor and classroom lecturer whose life will be celebrated at a memorial service this Sunday.

Maier died April 30 at the age of 86. He joined the UW faculty in 1959, and became emeritus in 1984 — a status that did not stop him from continuing to be a sought-after writer and lecturer in his field of child welfare and development, or prevent students from continuing to seek out his advice.

A recipient of the University’s Distinguished Teaching Award, Maier was a skilled wielder of humor and practical experience to vividly engage generations of students.

“Part of Henry’s great gift was the integration of play and playfulness in our everyday life and work — not in a frivolous manner but in a healthy and energized way,” said former student Suzanne Phillips, a member of the fund-raising committee for the new professorship. “While teaching, his goal was always to integrate theory with actual practice.”

The Henry W. Maier Endowed Visiting Professorship in Clinical Skills had been in the planning with Maier and his family for months. With a $250,000 endowment being raised, it will provide an annual opportunity for students, faculty and the social work community to engage with a master clinician in further developing their skills in working with children and families.

A celebration of Maier’s life will be held at 4 p.m. Sunday at University Friends Meeting, 4001 Ninth Ave. N.E.

Remembrances can be made to the UW Foundation Henry W. Maier Endowed Visiting Professorship in Clinical Skills, UW School of Social Work, Box 354900, Seattle, WA 98105 (attention Kim Isaac).