Department of Psychology
Undergraduate Award Winners: 2012
(L-R) Anna Wright, Prof. William Falls, Brianna Goddard, Gena Zollman, Chelsea Emond,
Anna W. Wright & Gena S. Zollman (John Dewey Award)
This award is given annually to a senior psychology major who has conducted outstanding independent research while maintaining high scholastic standards in psychology and overall. This award is named for John Dewey, an 1879 alumnus of UVM who pursued a career in education, philosophy, and psychology, and was a noted educator and philosopher. Often known as "the father of progressive education," a movement that flourished in the early 20th century and that continues to influence modern educators, Dewey believed that experience was the best way for students to learn how to create the conditions for democracy, solve social problems and engage in moral decision-making. Undergraduate independent research is such a tool.
Nicole L. Lafko (Donald Forgays Outstanding Senior Award)
This award is given annually to a senior psychology major who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship in all courses in Art and Sciences as well as achievement in independent research and scholarship. This awardee has among the highest Grade Point Averages of psychology majors and has completed notable scholarly projects in or out of the classroom. The award is named for Donald G. Forgays, who was Professor of Psychology at UVM from 1964 until his death in 1993. Department Chair Forgays guided the expansion of the department and the establishment of its doctoral program, which is now internationally known.
Brianna M. Goddard (Heinz Ansbacher Award)
This award is given annually to a senior psychology major who has conducted outstanding research or scholarship with a humanistic element in the tradition of individual psychology. This award is named for Heinz L. Ansbacher, who was Professor of Psychology at UVM from 1946-1963. Ansbacher is considered among the leading early followers of the Adlerian school of thought. In collaboration with his wife, Rowena Ansbacher, their major contribution, The Individual Psychology of Alfred Adler (1954), is still the definitive text on Individual Psychology and remains in print today.
Chelsea E. Emond (George Albee Award)
This award is given annually by the Board of Trustees of the Vermont Conference on the Primary Prevention of Psychopathology to the senior psychology major that has demonstrated interest, competence and originality in subject matter and course work related to the topic of prevention of psychopathology.