Obituary

Robert Vinter, professor emeritus of social work, whose research in the juvenile justice system garnered state and national recognition, died Dec. 25, four days after his 85th birthday.

(File Photo/U-M Photo Services)

"His work in the area of juvenile justice has had a lasting impact on programs and policies in the United States," says Rosemary Sarri, professor emerita of social work.

Vinter's efforts also shaped the School of Social Work curriculum during the mid-1960s. He helped develop the practice of social group work, and furthered the field of study of juvenile justice.

His roots in social work and group work trace back to his days as a counselor at Camp Manito-wish in northern Wisconsin.

His first position as a social group worker was at a settlement house while he attended Trinity College, where he completed his bachelor's degree magna cum laude in 1942. He entered the U.S. Army, serving in a psychiatric research unit and mental hygiene clinic from 1942-46.

Following his military service, Vinter became a social worker with the YMCA in New York while completing study for a master's degree in 1948 at Columbia University School of Social Work. He received his doctoral degree in social psychology from Columbia in 1957. While there he met Sally Powell, a fellow social work student, whom he married in 1949 and with whom he shared his life for the next 37 years until she passed away in 1986.

In 1954 he joined the School of Social Work faculty. His research interests included the theory and practice of group work; the criminal justice system; the development of organization and management theories for the human services; and program design and fiscal management. Research activities included co-investigator for studies for the U.S. Bureau of Prisons, the U.S. Office of Economic Development, a study of malperformance in the public schools for the President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency and a Comparative Study of Juvenile Correctional Programs.

"Bob Vinter was a provocative and challenging teacher and colleague, always pushing people to perform at their best," Sarri says.

One former student agrees.

"He was a phenomenal teacher and very demanding. If you received an A from him, you really deserved it," says Lily Jarman-Reisch, who earned an A in his budgeting class in 1982.

Vinter served in several administrative roles, including associate dean from 1964-70 and acting dean for 1970-71. As associate dean, he led his colleagues in a thorough revision of the master's degree curriculum.

"Bob Vinter was instrumental in developing a cutting-edge curriculum during his tenure at the University of Michigan," says Paula Allen-Meares, dean of the School of Social Work. "We have built upon that innovation and excellence. Not only did he help shape the instructional mission of the school, but his research has made the school stronger today."

Michael Reisch, a professor of social work on sabbatical, says Vinter was forthright, "a refreshing quality."

"He wasn't afraid to speak his mind and express strong opinions. He'll be missed," says Reisch.

The Board of Regents recognized his achievements, appointing him as the Arthur Dunham Professor of Social Work. When he retired in 1985, the regents saluted him as a distinguished educator who made a singular contribution to the body of social welfare knowledge, and to applying his research findings to the enhancement of graduate education as well as social welfare policies and programs.

Vinter engaged in numerous service activities in the Ann Arbor community, such as the Peace Neighborhood Center and the Perry Nursery. He was an active member of the St. Andrews Episcopal Church congregation and frequently participated as crucifer in Sunday services.

Vinter contributed to many University committees, as well as boards at local community, state, federal and international levels. He was a founding member of the National Association of Social Workers. He was a consultant to the President's Committee on Juvenile Delinquency, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Department of Justice.

He was a member of national mental health committees, several Michigan advisory boards and the editorial boards of the Encyclopedia of Social Work, the Journal of Research on Crime and Delinquency, and the Journal of Social Group Work. Vinter's other memberships included the American Sociological Association, the Council on Social Work Education, the American Association of Group Workers, the National Conference on Social Welfare and the American Civil Liberties Union.

He is survived by his sons David and Stephen, and by his grandchildren Anna, Alex, Galen and Katie. Cremation and a church service at St. Andrews have taken place.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Arbor Hospice & Home Care, 2366 Oak Valley Drive, Ann Arbor, MI 48103, www.arborhospice.org.
—Submitted by the School of Social Work