Stanley Berent, professor emeritus of psychology, passed away on August 24, at age 74.

Professor Berent was born in Norfolk, VA on March 10, 1941, to David and Esther Laibstain Berent. In 1959, he left high school to join the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in Naples, Italy for four years, after which he returned to the United States to begin his long academic career. Professor Berent received his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University in 1966, a Master’s from Virginia Commonwealth University in 1967, and his Doctorate in Psychology from Rutgers University in 1972. He completed a Clinical Internship at the National Institute of Mental Health, St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, in Washington, DC. He also completed the Group Training Program within the Overholser Training and Research Division, National Institute of Mental Health.

In his first academic position at the University of Virginia, Professor Berent was an Assistant then Associate Professor of Psychology in the Department of Psychiatry and Co-Director of the Psychological Assessment Program and the Director of the Psychology Training Program. Coming to the University of Michigan in 1979 he was an Associate Professor and then Full Professor of Psychology with a primary appointment in the Department of Psychiatry and appointments in the Department of Neurology and the Department of Psychology. He became a Professor, Emeritus, Active, in July 2005.

While at Michigan, Professor Berent was the Chief of the Psychology Service at the Ann Arbor VAMC from 1979 to 1986, Director of the Neuropsychology Program at the University from 1979 to 1993 and Chief of Psychology from 1993 to 2001. He also was Co-Director of the Neurobehavioral Toxicology Program at the University from 1997 to 2007. He served on many Medical School and University committees, including chairing the Senate Advisory Committee on University Affairs (SACUA), and the Department of Psychiatry Committee on Appointments and Promotions.

He held visiting professorships at both national and international universities and published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, 22 book chapters, co-authored four books and co-edited two books. As a member of multiple professional societies, he received a number of national and international honors and awards, including the “Merit Authorship Award” from the American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in recognition of exemplary service and outstanding contributions to the field of occupational medicine.

Professor Berent is survived by his wife, Joy, three daughters Melissa Ricker, Alison Berent Spillson,Rachel Fogelberg and their spouses; seven grandchildren, his brother Jerry Berent, sisters-in-law, nieces and nephews, and many grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

-- Contributed by Patricia Reuter-Lorenz, Chair of Psychology, based on memorials and other
recognitions written by colleagues and family