Jo-Ida Hansen presented with Lifetime Achievement Award

Dear Psychology Colleagues,

I am delighted to tell you that the Society of Vocational Psychology presented Jo-Ida Hansen with their Lifetime Achievement Award (their highest honor). Jo-Ida is only the fourth recipient of this prestigious award. John Holland (MN PhD, 1952) was the first recipient. The tradition of excellence continues.

Congratulations to Jo-Ida for this wonderful recognition of her accomplishments.

Best,

--Gordon

Josh McDermott selected to receive U of M Outstanding Postdoc Scholar Award

Dear Colleagues,

I am pleased to tell you that Josh McDermott has been selected to receive the University of Minnesota Outstanding Postdoctoral Scholar Award for 2008-09.  The Award recognizes postdoctoral scholars who have made outstanding contributions to research, scholarship and/or creative activities on a national or international level and acknowledges scholars who have made optimal use of the postdoctoral appointment by actively pursuing opportunities and resources to enhance their intellectual and professional development.

Josh has been working on auditory perception with Andrew Oxenham and lab colleagues. He has been studying mid-level audition, including source separation, texture perception, and the psychoacoustic basis of music.

Congratulations to Josh!

This award to Josh is a timely reminder of the excellence of postdocs in the Psychology department and the critical roles they play in many of our research programs.

Best,

--Gordon

Mark Snyder wins 2008 Kurt Lewin Memorial Award

The winner of SPSSI's (The Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues) Applied Social Issues Internship Award for the 2008 competition is Mark Snyder.

The Kurt Lewin Memorial Award is presented annually to honor "outstanding contributions to the development and integration of psychological research and social action."  As this year's recipient of the award, Dr. Snyder has accomplished these goals in every way.

The 2008 Award Committee consisted of Dr. Brenda Major, University of California, Santa Barbara (Chair); Dr. Daphne Bugental, University of California, Santa Barbara; Dr. Jack Dovidio, Yale University; and Dr. Louis Penner, Hudson-Webber Cancer Research Center.

Professor Rich Lee Honored

Congratulations go to Professor Rich Lee who was elected as a Fellow of the Asian American Psychological Association (AAPA) this year. Additionally, he was selected to receive the Okura Community Leadership Award which is given to an individual who “demonstrates outstanding community service and/or leadership that benefits the Asian American community.

This is great recognition for Rich's contributions.

Best,

--Gordon

Professor Rich Lee received K. Patrick Okura Award

The Asian American Studies Department is pleased to announce that Department of Psychology professor Rich Lee has received the Asian American Psychological Association's prestigious K. Patrick Okura Award for community service and leadership.

Professor Bruce Overmier to Receive Two Honorary Doctorates

Dear Psychology Colleagues,

Bruce Overmier has a truly honorific summer ahead of him. He is scheduled to receive TWO honorary doctorates. Congratulations Bruce!

On June 18, the University of Montreal will confer an honorary doctorate on Bruce. He will deliver remarks at the university convocation.

On August 29, the University of Bergen (Norway) will confer an honorary degree on Bruce, doctor honoris causa. The award letter reads " ... particular emphasis was placed on your central role in psychological research within fields such as learning studies, memory, stress and psychosomatics, your important contributions to research politics, as well as your long term and valuable cooperation with the University of Bergen.ÔøΩ?

We all take great pride in this splendid international recognition of Bruce's wide ranging contributions to psychological science.

--Gordon

Magdalena Wojtcazk and Christophe Micheyl promoted to Research Assistant Professor

Dear Colleagues,
Please join us in congratulating Magdalena Wojtcazk and Christophe Micheyl. Magdalena and Christophe are Research Associates in the Department. Both were approved this week to use the working title of Research Assistant Professor. We are very proud of their records of accomplishment!

Sincerely,
Monica Luciana and Gordon Legge
Chair's Office

Professor John Campbell Wins Outstanding DGS Award

It's a pleasure for me to tell you that John Campbell is a recipient of the 2008 University-wide award for Outstanding Directors of Graduate Studies. Most of us in Psychology already know of John's enormous contributions over the years to the quality and vitality of our graduate program. It's certainly fitting that the University has now recognized John for this crucial contribution.

Please join me in congratulating John for this splendid recognition.

--Gordon

Professor Legge receives honorary Doctor of Science degree from SUNY

Psychology department chair, Gordon Legge will receive an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the State University of New York (SUNY) on June 1, 2008. Conferral by the Board of Trustees will take place at the commencement ceremonies for the State College of Optometry. This is a high honor given to a select few. As the degree criteria states, "the eminence of the person must be widely recognized by the leaders of the field, which the person may represent?

Please join us in congratulating Gordon for this extraordinary honor.

Holly Hatch-Surisook has won a 2007-08 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising

I'm delighted to tell you that Holly Hatch-Surisook has won a 2007-08 John Tate Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising. This is a highly competitive, university-wide award. Please join me in congratulating Holly on this splendid recognition for "...sustained and substantial contributions to undergraduate education at the University of Minnesota ..."

As most of you know, Holly has played the key role in building our academic advising program. We have a program in which we can take great pride, thanks to Holly's creativity, hard work and commitment. Just think about how many Psychology students have benefited from Holly's advice, and from the input they have received from our excellent advising staff.

We all take pride in this wonderful recognition of Holly's contributions to our department and university.

--Gordon