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Reflections from President Blau: Foster Our Future

Our monthly blog feature from MSP President, Dr. Diane Blau, discussing what’s on her mind and in her heart regarding MSP and the field of professional psychology. 

Guests enjoying brunch

The atrium was transformed into a festive setting on Sunday, June 4 as alumni and friends gathered to mark MSP’s 35th anniversary year. Guests savored a delicious brunch and participated in a program to honor the past, celebrate the present and foster our future. Graduates attended representing a full range of the School’s history.

Paying tribute to her past studies at the Center for Humanistic Studies (CHS), Keynote Speaker, Miriam Engstrom, PsyD 2008, described how her learnings were foundational for innovative and important work with refugee women in the Ukraine and later in Turkey.

For this distinctive service, Miriam received the 2016 Association of the American Foreign Service Worldwide Secretary of State Award for Outstanding Volunteerism.

Photo of the atrium with people standing up and clapping
Standing ovation for Dr. Engstrom (’08)

During my remarks, I emphasized recent accomplishments including APA accreditation, continuation for 10 years of accreditation with the Higher Learning Commission, launching an ABA certificate program in the fall and successful enrollment for next year. Student and faculty research progress was showcased in the library.

Guests were fascinated by visits to the site next door, walking through its rooms and viewing floor plans, architectural renderings and naming opportunities.

They could envision the look and landscape and widening scope of community services it will offer through its training clinic and community meeting space.

The Foster Our Future Brunch portrayed how MSP continues to grow in unique and fitting ways, solid in its foundation, sound in the present and genuine in its vision.