New Scholarship Fund in Honor of Retired Professor James P. Gleeson
When a professor retires after 30 years at one college, many words of honor may spring to mind. One of those words is almost certainly legacy.
Such is the case with former JACSW professor James P. Gleeson, who retired this year after a distinguished career of 30 years as a child welfare practitioner, teacher, administrator, consultant, researcher and internationally recognized scholar.
About his legacy at the college, Gleeson says with characteristic modesty, “I just hope that I was able to make a contribution to what the college has become and continues to be, much as the faculty members that I saw while I was a student at Jane Addams.”
In addition to being remembered for his contributions at the school and to the field of child welfare, he will also be remembered through the newly established Professor James P. Gleeson Scholarship Fund. About the endowed fund, he says, “I hope that the scholarship can be my legacy and provide resources for future students who are really committed to social justice, so they can come to school and study without economic barriers.”
Honoring Dr. Gleeson’s Career and Legacy Heading link
In October of 2017, Gleeson’s long-time friend and fellow JACSW alumnus Jim Horan, MSW ’79 and CEO of Blue Plate Catering, hosted a reception in honor of Gleeson’s career and retirement. It was at this reception that the endowed scholarship fund was first announced.
About his friendship with Gleeson, Horan says, “Not only have Jim and I been good friends for the last 45 years, but because of his unquestionable integrity and impeccable values Jim has been an excellent role model to me, and I trust also to others.”
Gleeson and Horan first met while working in residential treatment at the beginning of their social work careers. Gleeson recalls, “I’ve known Jim for 45 years. During our 20s and 30s we went through a lot of things together, and he was a very important person in my life and a great support when I needed it. I hope I was a support to him as well. But I never expected this level of generosity in hosting that very nice reception. It was a wonderful evening, and I was more moved than I’d anticipated.”
Dr. Gleeson was even more surprised when he learned that Horan added a very generous pledge to the initial contribution made by he and his wife, Linda, in order to ensure that the fund reaches its minimum endowment level of $25,000. Gleeson adds, “That really motivates me to try to grow the fund as much as possible, so it can benefit as many students as possible.”
“Honoring Jim on this occasion is so well deserved,” says Horan admiringly. “Watching him grow and contribute so much to so many of his clients, students and colleagues over time has been truly inspiring. It is so befitting to see this endowment established in his name.”
Looking Back and Looking Forward Heading link
Gleeson says he had countless memorable experiences at JACSW. “So many students have been so special; they have probably had more of an impact on me than I had on them,” he says with a smile, “And the community folks working in agencies helped me learn about families and children, and what their strengths are.”
“As well as my colleagues at the college. I’m constantly impressed by the work they do and the commitment that they have,” he continues. “And it was my privilege to work for Dean Hairston for probably 27 of my 30 years at the college. She helped us focus on really living the college’s mission of advancing social, racial and economic justice.”
“Jim Gleeson will certainly be missed at the college,” says Creasie Finney Hairston, Dean of the College of Social Work, about her retired colleague. “But this new scholarship will be a continuing tribute to the work he did, both as an educator and a scholar. I have no doubt that the endowment will have a lasting impact for future students of social work.”
Gleeson also knows that the scholarship will carry forward both his legacy and the college’s mission. “I truly hope the scholarship gives potential students who are really committed to social justice an opportunity to come to Jane Addams, and to have the kind of positive experience that I had,” he says. “My experience at Jane Addams changed my life, it changed how I look at the world, and it made me a better person. I would love for more people to have that same opportunity and then go out and do great things on behalf of people who don’t have a voice or don’t have the power, to go out and make a difference.”