Vivian Seltzer, professor emerita of human development and behavior in the school of Social Policy and Practice, died on August 20, 2022. She was 91.

Following graduation from the University of Minnesota, Dr. Seltzer traveled to Philadelphia and married William (Bill) Seltzer in 1953. After starting a career in family therapy, Dr. Seltzer enrolled at Bryn Mawr College, where she received her PhD in psychology. For the next three decades, she taught developmental psychology at the University of Pennsylvania. 

Throughout her life, Dr. Seltzer held leadership roles in a variety of academic, religious and community organizations, including years of service on University of Pennsylvania’s Faculty Senate, Gratz College, and the Center City Residents Association. She is the former president of the Penn Association of Senior & Emeritus Faculty (PASEF).

Dr. Seltzer is the author of three books on adolescent psychological growth, including original theory on the developmental significance of peers in psychological growth. She developed an original model of glitches in adolescent development, diagnostic instruments, and Peer Arena Lens (PAL) Therapy.

Dr. Seltzer is survived by her husband, William Seltzer; three children, Jonathan (Liza), Francesca (Andrew) and Aeryn (Bruce); and nine grandchildren.