Alumni Awards

UW–Madison Psychology alumni represent their alma mater through excellence in myriad ways. The Department of Psychology recognizes its alumni with four distinguished alumni awards, given annually. Award categories include applications of psychology, early career, friend of the department, and research/academic achievement. You may submit a nomination for a Psychology Badger by September 15.

Most recently, we were pleased to recognize two outstanding alumni for their achievements:

  • From left to right: Dr. Gayla Margolin, Department Chair Dr. Allyson Bennett, and Ms. Coty Roberts

    Gayla Margolin ’71, PhD
    For a distinguished career in academia, research, training the next generation of scientists, and advancing understanding of family systems to benefit the wellbeing of parents, children, and society

  • Coty Roberts ’12, MSW’19
    For outstanding early career achievements and applying psychology to benefit countless children, adults, local communities, and society broadly. 

"You can't teach people to change, to progress, to embrace change unless you understand how their minds work. And that's where my UW Psych degree has been stellar. It gave me insight to carry on these activities, to prosper, to create, to innovate, and to accomplish."

Zorba Paster, MD, 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient

Distinguished Alumni Award: Applications of Psychology

Given annually to a UW-Madison Psychology graduate who has achieved prominence in the field of applied psychology and made contributions of enduring impact.

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Recipients

  • Daniel Gartenberg, PhD (2021)
  • Zorba Paster, M.D. (2020)
  • Katherine Cronin, PhD (2019)
  • Anne Savage, PhD (2018)
  • John Gould (2017)
  • Steven Sauter (2017)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Early Career Achievement

Given annually to a UW-Madison Psychology graduate who has earned a bachelor’s degree or doctoral degree within the past 10 years, has earned distinction in her/his field, and demonstrates outstanding future potential.

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Recipients

  • Coty Roberts, MSW (2023)
  • Zhalarina Sanders (2021)
  • Linda Vakunta (2020)
  • Jennifer Sluga (2019)
  • Heidi Allstop (2019)
  • Amanda Riek, JD (2017)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Friend of the Department

Given annually to a UW-Madison Psychology graduate who has provided distinguished leadership and/or service to the Department of Psychology.

 

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Recipients

  • Aris Alexander, PhD (2020)
  • Michael Smith, PhD (2019)
  • Joyce Rosevear, PhD, and Fred Rosevear (2018)
  • Dave Weiner (2017)
  • Mark Laufman (2016)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Research/Academic Achievement

Given annually to a UW-Madison Psychology graduate who has made significant achievements in research and/or academia, contributing to the flourishing of the Wisconsin Idea.

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Recipients

  • Gayla Margolin, PhD (2023)
  • Constance Hammen, PhD (2021)
  • L. Alan Soufre, PhD (2020)
  • John Gottman, PhD (2019)
  • Marsha Mailick, PhD (2019)
  • Lyn Abramson, PhD (2018)
  • Greg Miller, PhD (2017)
  • Stephen Suomi, PhD (2016)