Alexander Deconde

Alexander DeConde was a gifted writer and conscientious historian whose work illuminated American history from the early diplomatic affairs of the republic to the tumultuous present. I was not his student in literal terms but was a student of his as a reader of his work.

I am saddened to learn of the passing of Alexander DeConde, a prolific scholar whose work reflected his enormous understanding of the many factors and influences that shaped human history, good and bad. Alex was one of the most compassionate, understanding, non-judgmental, and decent human beings I have ever had the privilege of knowing. As my Ph.D. advisor at UCSB, I could not have asked for a better or more supporting mentor. Along with my friend Jon Nielson and other students enrolled...

Alex was a wonderful human being and exemplary scholar whose intellect and graceful narrative style of writing, coupled with rigorous research, elevated the study of American foreign relations and diplomatic history to to prominence as a respected field in the broader area of American history. I like Geof, Ian, Thom, Katie and many others were indeed privileged to be challenged academically by him and embraced by his personal warmth and sense of humor. Always gracious with praise and...

Alex -
He was my PhD supervisor in the late sixties but he regarded that task as being much like that of being a parent - it was by no means a term appointment but a life sentence. His advice as a supervisor was always good, helpful and generous; and he had continued this in the years since. Like my contemporary, Geoff Smith, whose tribute appears above, I have always been immensely grateful for his wisdom and support in so many ways. I tried to show this gratitude by editing a...

Alex, thank you for everything. You were an adviser, a teacher, a ole model, and above all a caring human being. You were as well a superb historian who set a high standard for all who worked with him. I consider myself singularly blessed to have earned a PhD under his tutelage. That relationship never frayed, and he was always ready to read material and make suggestions for improvement. His lovely wife, Glace, was always at his side, also assisting students, as well as her husband. ...

Lawrence Willson--famous as "Double L" at UCSB--once told me that I was very fortunate to have Alex DeConde on my graduate committee. He was right. Professor DeConde was the consummate scholar, a good and kind man who continued to encourage me long after I had gone on in the historical profession. I am still trying to meet his high standards. He would deny it, but he was a giant.
Neil L. York, UCSB PhD 1978