Former administrator dies at 75

Thomas Giolas, a former administrator at the University, died May 18. He was 75.

Giolas, who lived in Mansfield, joined the UConn faculty in the communication sciences department in 1968. His main research and teaching interest was in the rehabilitation of people with hearing impairments.

He became department head of communication sciences in 1975, and served in that capacity until 1984, when he was appointed director of the Research Foundation. He retired in 1997 as Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education and Dean of the Graduate School.

James Henkel, associate vice provost for research and graduate education, says Giolas was his mentor.

“Tom has been my role model and mentor with respect to the administrative aspects of my career,” Henkel says.

“I count my 10 years of interaction with him as among some of the best and most enjoyable of my professional life. I learned so much, not only about the technical aspects of academic leadership, but more importantly about the human aspects. I hope I can honor his memory by passing this knowledge and insight on to others in the future.”

Henkel adds, “He was always more concerned with others than he was about himself, and he had a way of making everyone he touched better for the experience. I will miss him terribly.”

Harvey Gilbert, professor emeritus of communication sciences, says when he came to UConn as head of the department, Giolas was very helpful.