Sad News: Tom McGlinchey

Dear All,

I am writing with sad news. Mr. Tom McGlinchey, who joined Vassar as a writing specialist in 1977, died on May 22. Mr. McGlinchey’s dedication to inclusive education and learning touched the lives of students on and beyond the Vassar campus. The son of Irish immigrants, Mr. McGlinchey understood the challenges first-generation students confront. From 1985 to 2006, he coordinated the Exploring Transfer program, which is still offered today to empower community college students to excel in academic settings and thereby transfer to four-year institutions.

Tom was an invaluable support for faculty and students as the heart and soul of the writing center in the Old Observatory. Tom’s patience, humor, and passion for the ideals of a liberal arts education inspired students who sought out his help, and he transformed their fear or insecurity about writing into pleasure and pride in their skill. He was dedicated to the idea that any student could become a good writer, and he had the skill and energy to prove the truth of his belief again and again.

Mr. McGlinchey’s efforts extended into the community as he was a trustee of the Poughkeepsie Public Library and an instructor with Dutchess Community College’s Inmate Education Program, where, for more than two decades, he taught English classes to inmates at the Green Haven Correctional Facility.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife of 56 years, Gail (Vassar Class of 1964), his two sons, Russell and Eric (Vassar Classes of 1991 and 1995, respectively), and his grandchildren.

With sadness,

Elizabeth H. Bradley, President
Vassar College
Poughkeepsie, NY 12604
@EHBVassar