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Norman Adler, Psychology

Norman T. Adler, a former professor of psychology at Penn, died on September 11 in Jerusalem, Israel. He was 75 years old.

Dr. Adler joined Penn in 1968 as an assistant professor in the department of psychology. He became an associate professor in 1971 and a professor in 1976. He was also the associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences during his time at Penn. 

He was the founder of (BBB) the biological basis of behavior program in 1978 and was its first director, a position he held until 1989 (Almanac December 19, 1978). In 1988, he received the Charles A. Dana Award for Pioneering Achievement in Health and Higher Education for his development of the program (Almanac October 25, 1988). He left Penn in 1993.

After a couple of years at Northeastern, Dr. Adler served as dean of Yeshiva College from 1995 to 2004. In 2004, he was appointed special assistant on academic and research initiatives to the vice president of academic affairs and also was named a professor of psychology.

He received the American Psychological Association Early Career Award and the Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, as well as Harry Frank Guggenheim and John Simon Guggenheim fellowships (Almanac May 4, 1976April 16, 1985; and May 14, 1985).

Dr. Adler is survived by his second wife, Sheila Stein; his children, Shira (Andy), Tanya (David), Ari (Mesha), Kiva, and Tahg (Lital); his step-children, Jay (Dena), Alex (Yael), and Jonathan (Deborah); and many grandchildren.

The funeral and shiva took place in Israel. A memorial at Penn was held on November 20, but those who would like to share memories may do so at http://www.forevermissed.com/dr-norm-adler/

 

Editor's note: This article was corrected on October 4, 2016.

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