Dawn Bonker
After a 31-year career, Ronald L. Scott, Ph.D., professor, Schmid College of Science, department of psychology, has plenty of memories. But there’s one remarkable stand-out moment he especially loves to share.
It was Valentine’s Day, in the early ‘90s, and a small group of gay students, perhaps just five or six folks, announced they would hold a poetry reading in a corner of the psychology lounge. All were welcome, but as Dr. remembers it, few were expected to attend.
So imagine his surprise when the room and hallway overflowed with readers and listeners, gay and straight, all together to share what Dr. Scott says became a “turning point” for tolerance at Chapman.
“The thing that amazed me is that they came from every corner of the Chapman community. Faculty members, administrators, a lot of staff people, secretaries, a couple people from custodial services, as they called it at that time. Jim Doti came and he was the acting president at that time, he read a poem, and from that point on, things started to change,” says Dr. Scott, one of the first openly gay faculty members at Chapman. “It was like people just burst through and said ‘No more.’ ”
Such memories and the many accomplishments of Dr. Scott, a leading researcher and expert in psychological assessment, will be celebrated at a retirement reception on Tuesday, May 11, at 2 p.m., in Argyros Forum 209.
“He’s one of our most-loved and distinguished faculty members in psychology,” says Carolyn Brodbeck, Ph.D., associate professor, Schmid College of Science, Department of Psychology. “He has been an outstanding advocate for diversity. Not just for GLBT students and members of the community, but all forms of diversity.”
We’d enjoy seeing a host of more tributes and praise for Dr. Scott here. Post your comments and remember to mark your calendars for Tuesday’s reception. All are welcome!
