The Dr. Alvin I. Cohen Academic Excellence Award in Psychology

Professor Emeritus Dr. Alvin I. Cohen taught at Westfield State for thirty-two years, and served as Director of the Counseling Center during his tenure. As a professor of psychology, he was respected by his fellow faculty members, colleagues and his students. As one of his students from the 70’s shared,
“Dr. Cohen was the best!!! He was caring, funny, a great educator and an inspiration.” Dr Cohen left his mark on his students, the department and the entire campus community.

Early in his career he was a psychologist at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Leeds. In 1965 he began teaching at Westfield State College and for many years was Director of the College Counseling Center. He attained the rank of full professor, and then after 32 years of teaching, retired in 1997. In addition, he was a consulting psychotherapist for many years at the Mental Health Clinic in Holyoke and at the outpatient clinic of the former Northampton State Hospital. In 1969 he established a private practice of psychotherapy for adolescents, adults and couples in Northampton, from which he retired in 1997.

In his free time, he loved to play golf and listen to music, especially jazz. For many years, he enjoyed traveling to Florida in the winter. Swimming and sunning were also favorite activities.

This Academic Excellence Award will be given to a rising Junior or Senior in good standing pursuing a degree in psychology with future plans for graduate studies or career in the field of psychology.