Dr. Rich and Dr. Ruth Calef were the anchors of Wesleyan’s Psychology Department for with more than 85 years of combined service. Rich joined the faculty in 1970 and eventually was promoted to Professor of Psychology. He
served as the Department Chair for at least three decades. While he retired two years ago, he still teaches part-time today. Ruth became a full-time faculty member in 1973 and retired in 2013.
Rich and Ruth were not only distinguished teachers, they also were tremendous mentors and advocates for their students. Many Wesleyan psychology graduates have found career success in a wide variety of fields and several were admitted to prestigious graduate programs. Their graduates are authors, educators, business leaders, counselors, entrepreneurs, medical professionals and clergy members.
The Calefs exemplified Wesleyan’s high challenge and high support approach to teaching. Both were actively engaged faculty members serving on a number of professional Faculty Committees and numerous search committees. In addition to teaching and mentoring students, the Calefs loved attending co-curricular events such as performing arts programs and athletic events, particularly their favorite sport—basketball. Not only did enjoy watching the Bobcats and Lady Bobcats in the Rockefeller Center, they also traveled around the state to cheer on our student-athletes.