Professor Alida Westman, Psychology
Interviewed by EMU Honors Student Jared Clayton Brown
“I loved it. It was one of my proudest days,” said EMU professor Alida Westman, about being named one of EMU’s Honors College’s Faculty of the Year.
On receiving the honor, Westman also said, “It indicated that what I tried to do, which is help people develop, was accomplished. It also meant that I helped people to learn what they wanted to learn about.”
Westman, who serves as a member of EMU’s psychology faculty, initially did not plan on becoming a professor. Her life’s ambition lay with a “higher power.” She said, “I thought I was going to be a nun.”
Westman was well-prepared to travel the road that has led to her being recognized as the Honors Faculty of the Year.
Westman, who was born in Austria, graduated from Washington State University with both her Bachelor of Science and Master’s degrees majoring in Psychology. From there, she attended Cornell University, where she earned her PhD in experimental psychology. Upon graduating from Cornell in 1972, Westman came to EMU, where she has remained ever since.
Westman offered several reasons as to why she enjoys teaching Honors College students.
Westman said, “I like when people start explore what they are interested in and I can help them explore their interests.”
Westman added, “Being able to help others people reach their potential and help them make a difference in the world is also rewarding.”