Psychological Sciences Department Hosts Michael Haney Alumni Day
The Department of Psychological Sciences celebrated its annual Michael Haney Alumni Day on Thursday, March 19, bringing together current students, faculty and graduates from across the country for a full day of academic engagement and community building.
The day opened in the Evolutionary Psychology classroom with guest speaker UC San Diego Professor of Psychology Michael McCullough, PhD. Students engaged enthusiastically with McCullough, posing questions that sparked dynamic discussion and set an energetic tone for the events that followed.
In the afternoon, the department hosted a mixer aimed at strengthening connections between current students and returning alumni. More than 35 alumni traveled from various regions of the country to participate in the event, offering insight into careers, graduate programs and their experiences beyond the university.
“It was so great to see the alumni coming back from far and wide. Indeed we hope to continue to cultivate these important bonds that we have and make them even stronger,” says Professor of Psychological Sciences Nadav Goldschmied, PhD.
The evening program continued at Warren Auditorium, where McCullough delivered his public lecture, “Global Gratitude: How Gratitude is Experienced and Expressed Around the World.” The talk explored cultural differences in gratitude and examined how individuals around the globe understand and express appreciation.
Following the presentation, alumni and faculty gathered at La Gran Terraza for a social hour, exchanging stories and reconnecting in a relaxed setting. The conversations highlighted the department’s strong sense of community and the pride alumni carry for their academic roots. The day concluded with a sit‑down dinner for faculty and invited guests, also held at La Gran Terraza, offering a warm and reflective end to a meaningful day of events.
From thought‑provoking academic discussions to opportunities for personal connection, this year’s Michael Haney Alumni Day showcased the Department of Psychological Sciences' commitment to celebrating its graduates and fostering lasting relationships across generations of students. Organizers plan to continue expanding the event, reinforcing the tradition of alumni engagement for years to come.