The School of Social Work has announced a program to grant an annual stipend to a graduate student who is placed at the Wheeler Clinic Inc. for a year-long field education course.

The award results from a gift to Wheeler Clinic from retired University faculty member Mary Fran Libassi and her husband, Peter Libassi.

Wheeler, in Plainville, Conn., provides mental health, special education and substance abuse treatment services.

The student stipend is part of a program to promote the professional development of interns and of employees of Wheeler.

Mary Frances Libassi, who was an associate professor at the School of Social Work, retired in 1994 after 17 years with the University. Since then, she has worked as an adjunct member of the faculty and has maintained strong ties with social service agencies.