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.
In 2020, we were pleased to recognize four outstanding alumni for their achievements:
Clockwise from upper left: Linda Vakunta, L. Alan Sroufe, Aris Alexander, and Zorba PasterLinda Vakunta ’09, MA’11, PhD’15 For outstanding early career achievements, especially in her work as Deputy Mayor of Madison
L. Alan Sroufe, MS’65, PhD’67 For a distinguished career in research advancing our understanding of human development
Aris Alexander ’57, MS’59, PhD’62 In addition to outstanding achievements as a psychologist, for recognizing the power of serendipity and being a benefactor to students in the department
Zorba Paster ’69, MD For a distinguished career in medicine, while making psychology and health information accessible to countless members of the general public
"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
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
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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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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