Pioneer grad’s legacy supports graduate students in psychology
In 1961, Anthony M. Marchionne earned the first doctoral degree in clinical psychology conferred by WSU. But that wasn’t the only or last notable achievement Toby, as his friends called him, would accumulate during his lifetime.
Having grown up in Hudson, New York, Toby wanted to see the world. Service in the U.S. Army Air Corps brought him to the Pacific Northwest, a region he liked so much he remained in the area for school. He studied at then-Washington State College where he earned his bachelor of science degree in 1952 and master of science degree in 1954.
Shortly after finishing school, Toby began private practice as a clinical psychologist in Albany, New York, and joined the faculty at what is now Albany College of Pharmacy. In this line of work, he generated many substantial contributions to the field of psychology.
Among the most significant was his research in and advocacy for particular family processes, specifically mechanisms of healthy adjustment and coping skills that would increase understanding of psychological processes in individuals with non-traditional lifestyles. Toby was a tireless advocate for understanding how neurological and pharmacological bases of behavior can increase the understanding of biological mechanisms within psychology and, thus, he helped to increase the body of clinical psychologists who contribute to medical psychology and neuropsychology.
A major part of Toby’s impact will always trace back to WSU, where the single largest gift received by the WSU Department of Psychology since its inception in 1946 established the Anthony Marchionne Endowed Graduate Fellowship.
“These fellowships will provide much-needed research support for talented and hard-working doctoral students in clinical and experimental psychology for many years to come,” said Rebecca Craft, professor and chair of the department. Toby’s gift, via the Marchionne Foundation, will provide funding for generations of future clinical psychologists who wish to follow in his academic and professional footsteps.
“We are deeply honored by the gift and I offer my personal thanks to the Marchionne Foundation board members for their foresight and generosity in creating this lasting legacy to Toby Marchionne,” Craft said.
To add your support to the Marchionne fellowships or other funds in the College of Arts and Sciences, contact Dawn Gauthier at 509-335-6705 ordgauthier@wsu.edu.