The psychology experience at Illinois began for photographic artist, Larry Kanfer and his father, Dr. Fred Kanfer, in 1973, when Dr. Kanfer came to the University of Illinois Department of Psychology. With Dr. Kanfer's specialization in clinical psychology, it was natural for his son, Larry to become connected with the study of psychology, as well as the building itself.
As an undergraduate at UI, Larry formally studied architecture. It was in these years he began to know the history and soul of the University from a visual and architectural perspective. He developed an affinity towards how people perceive spaces and connect with their environment, noting how it is much more than only stone and mortar details -- an affinity surely rooted from the threads of psychology in his life.
The Department of Psychology was always strongly weaved into Larry's life. Whether it was hanging out in the courtyard, studying in the library, or analyzing the structure for a class project, the Psychology building was a pivot point for the Kanfers. Larry's sister, wife and brother-in-law all studied in the department.
"I can remember taking short cuts through parking lots from the dorms to meet Dad for lunch," Larry recalls, "or more often to borrow his car!"
Today the visual connectedness of Larry Kanfer to the building is evident in the artistic design of his "Psychology" artwork. Described as the "quintessential" view of the Psychology department, it illustrates the separate threads of psychology characterized by the eight divisions: biological psychology, brain and cognition, clinical and community psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, quantitative psychology, social and organizational psychology, and visual cognition and human performance. Each of these areas of psychology weave together to produce one of the most respected Psychology departments in the nation. As Dr. Kanfer's legacy suggests, the wholeness of the artwork is made up of the pivotal building, enhanced by the symbols around it.
"I'm honored to design the piece. My dad always believed in understanding the person as a whole and the challenge of grasping how each part of a system worked together," Larry said.
Likewise, this building represents the Department of Psychology: not only the many distinct divisions of research and teaching, but what the syngery of these divisions produces. From the strength and acclaim the Department has received, the rich history of connectedness continues for current and prospective students to weave into their own academic experience, just as they did for Larry Kanfer back in the 1970's.
Well known for his pioneering research in behavioral therapy and as the founder of self-management theory, Dr. Kanfer received his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 1953. Kanfer's seminal research on self-control and applications to the therapeutic process provided the foundation for modern theories of self-management and cognitive-behavior therapies. A friendly, generous man, Dr. Kanfer was seen as a dedicated professor, whose smile was recognized by all throughout the building. Dr. Kanfer passed away on October 18, 2002. The Department recognized him for his many years of service to both the Deparment and the profession of Psychology and is proud to continue a strong connection with his son, Larry Kanfer, through his artistic expressions of the true University of Illinois Department of Psychology experience.