Death Of Former UConn Dean Hugh Macgill

Hartford Courant, Obituary: Hugh C. Macgill:

Hugh C. Macgill, the witty and charismatic dean of the University of Connecticut School of Law from 1990 to 2000, died Feb 13, 2020. He was 79. Construction of the Thomas J. Meskill Law Library was Macgill's signature achievement as dean. Asked in 2010 what his vision of the new library had been, he replied with typical lucidity, "Space to put the books in, damn it!" ...

Known for his trademark bushy owl-like eyebrows, Hugh Macgill was an antic intellectual provocateur, whose command of history and language captivated many, infuriated some, but piqued all. While he infused his love of books, classical music, wine, the outdoors, the law school, and baseball with an ironic mischief, in his heart he channeled a fierce compassion for others and a deep conviction in the truth of the rule of law.

He devoted his early professional life and later his civic life to promoting social justice, particularly through legal aid. He was, like many of his fellow professionals, generous with his time and energy, using the law to improve opportunity for the underserved. As a teacher, a constant stance, even when he was not in the classroom, his enthusiastic and enlarged curiosity infected young and old. ...

Macgill is survived by his wife Nancy Rankin, their two children, Alex and Charlie Rankin Macgill, and Bianca and Flora, his two adored Scottish Terriers. A memorial, to be announced at a later time, will be held in the spring at the University of Connecticut School of Law. ...

In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the Downeast Coastal Conservancy, P.O. Box 760, Machias, ME 04654, or to the Hugh C. Macgill Endowed Scholarship at UCONN Law, payable to The UCONN Foundation, 2390 Alumni Dr., Unit 3206, Storrs, CT 06269.

UConn Today, In Memoriam: Hugh Macgill, Former UConn School of Law Dean

(Hat Tip: Nell Newton.)