Faculty Publications: A Psychobiography of Bobby Fischer

Joseph G. Ponterotto, Ph.D. (Professor of Counseling Psychology) authored a book entitled A Psychobiography of Bobby Fischer: Understanding the Genius, Mystery, and Psychological Decline of a World Chess Champion, which will be released this month by Charles C. Thomas Publisher.

The book examines the inner workings of Fisher's mind- the genetic, personal, family, cultural and political factors that collectively provide a penetrating window into the "why" of Bobby Fisher's genius and bizarre behavior. Though there have been many articles, books and films on Bobby Fisher, this text represents the first scholarly psychological assessment of the world's most famous chess champion.

Professor Brings to Light the Darker Side of Genius

The story of Bobby Fischer has for decades garnered international intrigue. At 15, Fischer became the youngest chess grandmaster in the world. To Cold War-era Americans, Fischer’s victory in 1958 over the reigning eastern European champions rendered him a national hero, resulting in accolades like “genius” and “boy wonder.” His 1972 capture of the World Championship from Boris Spassky of the USSR is still considered to be the most widely watched chess match in history.

But over time, Fischer’s reclusive and increasingly bizarre behavior alienated him, until his vitriolic anti-Semitism and endorsement of the 9/11 attacks ultimately sank him into infamy. He died an exile in Iceland in 2008.

So, how could one of America’s greatest minds have ended this way?

That is the question Joseph G. Ponterotto, Ph.D., tackles in his groundbreaking book, A Psychobiography of Bobby Fischer: Understanding the Genius, Mystery, and Psychological Decline of a World Chess Champion (Charles C. Thomas, Publisher, Ltd., 2012).

GSE Celebrates Leaders in Catholic Education

The Graduate School of Education honored Catholic school leaders throughout New York City on May 15th at its 18th Annual Catholic School Executive Leadership Dinner. Both city and state representatives gathered at the Lincoln Center campus for the event, which was sponsored by GSE’s Center for Catholic School Leadership and Faith-Based Education.

“Catholic schools are the models of successful schools,” said James J. Hennessy, Ph.D., dean of GSE. “Catholic schools set the standards for what good schools look like, how good schools run, and what good schools can accomplish… [This event] is to celebrate Catholic schools and the leaders who make them such great schools.”

From left, James J. Hennessy, Ph.D., dean of GSE; Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of Fordham;
James Cultrara, executive secretary of the Catholic School Council; Merryl H. Tisch, Ed.D., chancellor the New York State Board of Regents; Gerald Cattaro, Ed.D., executive director of the Center for Catholic School Leadership

Commencement 2012 Student Profile: Karen Clayton, Ph.D.

As part of Inside Fordham's Special Commencement Edition, graduating students from each of the undergraduate and graduate schools at Fordham are profiled in "Faces in the Class of 2012." This year, the Graduate School of Education chose Karen Clayton, who will receive her doctorate in Educational Psychology at tomorrow's Commencement ceremony. A native of St. Catherine, Jamaica, her research on student motivation represents more than a capstone to a decade of assiduous study. It also captures a personal journey that has spanned both disciplines and oceans.

Click here to read Clayton's profile, "Jamaican Businesswoman Starts Anew."

Idealist Graduate School Fair @ Fordham Lincoln Center

On June 19th, Fordham University will host an Idealist Graduate School Fair at the Lincoln Center campus. The Graduate School of Education, as well as other graduate schools at Fordham, will participate. We invite you to join us and learn more about the opportunities that a graduate degree or certificate from GSE can open up for you!

When: June 19, 2012
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Where: Pope Auditorium, Fordham Lincoln Center Campus
113 West 60th Street

Human Resiliency Institute: Edge4Vets N.I.C.E. Training at JFK Airport

GSE's Human Resiliency Institute Edge4Vets programcontinues to make strong progress in its effort to help veterans create successful "military to school" transitions. Today, John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City will roll out a new program, just in time for the busy summer travel season. Called Edge4Vets N.I.C.E. Corps, the program plans to use the skills of military veterans to help alleviate passenger frustrations at the airport. It takes airport employees who are also veterans and gives them N.I.C.E. (Neutralize Irritations Customers Experience) training.

The pilot program was designed by Tom Murphy, director of the Human Resiliency institute at Fordham GSE. He said the program would initially be in Terminal 4, and has 30 trained problem solvers ready to help. "What travelers want most," he said, "is for someone to care when things go wrong. They want someone who will step up and help." Veterans employed at a variety of airport companies – even airlines like JetBlue, Delta and American Airlines, and agencies like TSA– have signed up for the training.

Click the links below to read news stories and view video of this event:
NYOne
NY Daily News
ABC News
MSNBC
USA Today
BusinessInsider.com
Queens Chronicle

Dawn Jolly, a Fordham student/vet and coordinator for the
N.I.C.E. Corps, leads a customer service discussion with
veterans at JFK.

In Memorium: Phyllis Pitt

Phyllis Pitt, a doctoral candidate, field supervisor and adjunct instructor in the Graduate School of Education died on May 31 after being struck by a car in Brooklyn. She was a longtime public and private school teacher in Brooklyn yeshivas.

“We grieve with the family and loved ones of Phyllis Pitt,” said Joseph M. McShane, S.J., president of the University. “With one long and distinguished career behind her, she was struck down just as she prepared to embark on a new adventure. Her death is a loss to her students, her colleagues, and of course her husband and children. I know that the Fordham family joins me in keeping Phyllis and her loved ones in our thoughts and prayers.”

Pitt is survived by her husband, Michael, and two adult children. The family lives in Brooklyn. The University will publish details about services and memorials as they become available.