Martin G. Gold, Professor Emeritus of Psychology, and Research Scientist Emeritus in the Institute for Social Research at the University of Michigan, died on December 20, 2018 at the age of 87. He was a devoted teacher, research mentor, and colleague in both the Department of Psychology and the Institute for Social Research.
Professor Gold received his A.B. degree from Dartmouth College in 1953 and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Michigan in 1955 and 1962, respectively. From 1953-61, he served as a research assistant, teaching fellow, and then instructor in the Department of Psychology; he was appointed study director at the Research Center for Group Dynamics in the Institute for Social Research (ISR) in 1961. From 1962-65, he served as the training and program director at the University of Michigan Fresh Air Camp, assistant program director at the Research Center for Group Dynamics, and assistant professor in the Department of Psychology. He was promoted to program director (later changed to research scientist) at ISR in 1965, associate professor of psychology in 1968, and professor in 1979. He retired from active faculty status in January 1993.
Professor Gold made important scientific contributions to scholarship on adolescence, and specifically, on delinquency among adolescents. In pursuing the social and cultural experiences that prevent delinquent behaviors, Professor Gold noted the significance of schools. His work details the influence and critical impact of integrating less successful students into school life. His work has had an impact on school reform and on the correctional system’s treatment of delinquents.
Professor Gold established the Marjorie Nan Donald endowment fund to encourage continuing interdisciplinary interaction between graduate students in the UM Psychology Department and Sociology Department.
Professor Gold is survived by two nieces, Lois Katz, and Lynn Saulman, and one nephew, Lawrence Leibowitz.
-- Contributed by Patricia Reuter-Lorenz, Psychology Department Chair, based on a U-M retirement memoir.