Page 144 - ThePhoenix1995-96

Thursday, March 14, 1996-Page 12 FEATURES Colyer earns his 25 year legacy as professor By JEN VICK Features Editor who is hungry as saying "I'm hungry," his list of accomplishments, Colyer passed IS years and said "one of the most impor- Over the past 25 years Western Mary- whereas a behaviorist would say, "I'm with- the state and national license exam in Octo- tant things in life is to have a sense of hu- land College has witnessed a multitude of out food." In other words. the behaviorist ber 1991 to become a licensed psychologist. mor," which she says Colyer has. She de- faces and an abundance of behaviors, and always looks at situations externally rather WMC is the only school where Colyer scribes him as "dynamic" and "compassion- one psychology professor has been watch- then internally. has taught and he said he has no plans to ate." ing it closely. Over the years Colyer, who lives in the leave in the near future. Within the next year "As the chair [of the department] he has This intent observer is Dr. Stephen Westminster area, has witnessed changes in he plans to take a break from the classroom done an excellent job because he always en- Colyer, associate professor and chair of the students' motivation. and go on sabbatical to write a book on be- courages input from everyone," adds psychology department. Last semester "Students have stayed the same over the havior management. Waldman. marked 25 years of teaching for Colyer who years in respect to their skill level but their The courses Colyer teaches are contem- Colyer is humble about his 25 years of received the traditional gift of a new chair approach has changed," said Colyer. "Stu- porary psychology, psychology of learning, service at WMC. Waldman puts his mod- for his office, choosing a rocking chair to dents today are less motivated." Colyer has behavior modification, and applied behav- esty into perspective and describes his re- attest for his hard work. also noticed the great impact of computers ior analysis. Senior psychology major Amy luctance, as a behaviorist, "to focus atten- "Teaching is what excites me," said in his field. Valentine describes him as a "good teacher" tion on himself." At one point in the inter- Colyer, who takes his role as administrator "When I was in school I worked with a who as a behaviorist, "really knows what view Colyer leaned back in his chair and in stride, but loves the classroom atmo- rat," said Colyer. ''Today psychology stu- he's doing." said "Now why don't I ask you some ques- sphere. "The students are always fun." dents continue to work with rats but many Sandra Waldman, psychology depart- tions." Attired in jeans and a beige sweater, times they are mere simulations on a com- ment secretary, has worked with Colyer for Colyer is laid back yet attentive. Specializ- puter screen." For Colyer, "it doesn't make ing in behaviorism, he graduated from sense" to be sharpening typing skills rather Gettysburg College with a degree in politi- then interdisciplinary skills. cal science, but wanted to further explore "Today, when psychological assessment his curiosity of behavior. For Colyer, "all is done, psychologists do it by looking at behavior has a purpose" and he wound up computer products instead of people," said in graduate school at Temple University in Colyer. ''The computer stands in between the Philadelphia where he earned his doctorate psychologists and what they're actually in- in psychology. A native to the area, Colyer terested in." grew up in Philadelphia but was born in New Within the psychology department, which York. he describes as working well together, there The work of a behaviorist, Colyer ex- are differing opinions on the computer's role. plained, is to seek to explain and treat be- "I think it's a terrific tool for students to ex- havior in terms of observable events. Giv- plore research," said Dr. Howard Orenstein, ing an example, Colyer describes a student associate professor of psychology. "They [students] have more access to programs and calculations can be done quicker." Despite the new technology, Colyer CLASSD'II{llllooi doesn't Currently he is kept busy with papers his observation of oth- let it inhibit ers. and talks given to professional groups in the area. What he presents to them are data gath- LOVING CHRISTIAN COUPLE ered through observing behavior, and the WISHES TO ADOPT AN INFANT. treatment plans developed to treat the behav- WILLING TO PAY LEGAL AND ior. Colyer, who keeps himself in top shape MEDICAL EXPENSES. CALL with 20 to 25 hours a week of running and COLLECT: lRV AND KATHY lifting weights, has compiled many accom- (410) 923-6077. plishments during his years as chair and pro- fessor of psychology. He has organized and developed an experimental laboratory for stu- HELP WANTED dent research, along with arranging student LifeguardsJPool Managers participation in training programs and re- Summer Months, FTIPT search projects with profoundly retarded chil- Baltimore Area and dren. All Surrounding Counties For his hard work with the group TAR- DRD Pools 410-785-7665 GET, Inc., he was awarded the organization's professional of the year. In 1987, he was rec- Dr. Coyler who has been with WMCjor 25 years, poses herejrom behind his desk ognized with the college's Distinguished SITUATION WANTED Teaching Award. In yet another addition to Mother's Helper. Minimum 10 varied hours a week. Must have own car and Debbie Friedman performs March 31st references. at Johns Hopkins University Call 840-8995 Songs based on Jewish liturgical texts are brought to new life GOOD Canada, Europe, and Israel. mg. acclaimed Internationally singer WEEKLY songwriter, Debbie Friedman, will perform and A native of Minnesota, Friedman served Her music is sung and performed by chil- at Shriver concert Hall, on the INCOME in a public of The Johns Hopkins University, on as cantor for three years at Reform congre- dren and adults in synagogues, churches, centers camps schools, She was influenced gation in Los Angeles. community and campus North America processing mail for Sunday, March 31,1996 at 7:00 pm. by American popular music of the 1960's throughout are $5 for full-time and Europe. $15 Joan Paul & Mary, Baez, students, Tickets and 70's-Peter, Friedman's is made possible appearance national company! Free through Jewish Colleges (JCS), an agency of Judy Collins, and Melissa Manchester-and for the general public, and $36 for families. supplies. postage! No THE ASSOCIATED: Jewish Community has been influencing younger singers and To purchase tickets, send a self ad- salling! Bonuses! Start Federation of Baltimore and a grant from the songwriter's with her own style. dressed stamped envelope and a check make immediatel{;! Genuine Children of Harvey & Lyn Meyerhoff Phil- Many of her songs, with original melodic payable to Jewish College Services, to JCS, opportunity! ushSAS.E.: anthropic Fund. settings based on Jewish liturgical'texts, have 5700 Park Heights Avenue, Baltimore, MD GKC. SUIT!! 216 This concert marks the 25th anniversary brought new life and relevance to ancient 21215. 1861 N.FEDERAL RWY of the beginning of Friedman's musical ca- prayers. Other songs have a ore universal For additional information call JCS at HOLLYNOOD.FL 33020 reer. She has recorded 13 albums and has appeal, and still others-especially for chil- 542-4900 ext 276. performed in hundreds of cities in the US, dren-provide a delightful format for learn- Courtesy of Silesky Marketing.