June 23, 2003

J. Conrad Schwarz, Psychology Professor, Dies

J. Conrad Schwarz, a professor of psychology, died May 15. He was 66.

Schwarz, who came to UConn in 1972, was on the teaching faculty of the graduate training program in clinical psychology. His research included many studies and publications on the effects of family dynamics on personality development in children.

Colleagues said Schwarz was known for his gentle nature and personal integrity.

"He was generous and concerned for others, and during the past year, courageous in the face of illness," said Herb Getter, a professor emeritus of psychology. "He was a model for all of us."

George Allen, a professor emeritus of psychology and former director of clinical training, said Schwarz was "beloved by his colleagues and the students he taught. He held his students to really high standards and at the same time was kind and gentle."

Schwarz ran the ethics committee in the psychology department for more than two decades. "He was a man of uncompromising integrity," Allen said.

Schwarz published about 100 research papers, co-authored a book on insecure romantic attachments in adults, and created a computer-base d reading program to help children with dyslexia. He was a consulting editor for the journal Developmental Psychology, and regularly reviewed manuscripts for professional publications.

Born in Hartford and raised in Harrisburg, Pa., Schwarz taught at Syracuse University and Bowling Green State University in Ohio. He also had a private practice for more than 30 years.

Schwarz graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Pennsylvania State University in 1958, where he earned a bachelor's degree in psychology.

He earned a masters degree in 1961 and a doctorate in clinical psychology in 1963, both from Ohio State University.

He loved sports, enjoyed playing tennis, and was an avid Huskies fan. Gardening was one of his passions.

Schwarz, who lived in Storrs, is survived by his wife, Carolina Herfkens, and three daughters, their husbands, and six grandchildren.

A memorial celebration to honor Schwarz was held on May 25 at the Storrs Congregational Church.

Donations in his memory may be made to the American Cancer Society or the University of Connecticut Student Scholarship Fund.

Donations for the UConn Student Scholarship Fund should be made payable and sent to the University of Connecticut Foundation, 2390 Alumni Drive, Storrs, CT 06269-3206. Please write "in memory of Conrad Schwarz" on the memo line of the check.