Outstanding Contributions to the Field of Psychology in Southern Arizona

Peter J. Attarian, Ph.D. was much appreciated among the psychologists of Southern Arizona. He was noted for his many contributions as teacher, mentor, psychotherapist, consultant and administrator.

Dr. Attarian was a member of the faculty of the Department of Family and Community Medicine, The University of Arizona College of Medicine, where he served as Associate Professor and Associate Chair of the Department. He is remembered for his innovative methods of instruction, sensitive mentoring of graduate students, sympathetic concern for patients and wonderful sense of humor.

Peter also served as a consultant at IBM for many years, and as a consultant to the Tucson Vet Center as well.

He died on March 26, 1993, ending a courageous year-long battle with cancer. In that same year, the Southern Arizona Psychological Association established the Peter J. Attarian Award for outstanding contributions to the field of psychology in Southern Arizona.

Dr. Attarian was the first honoree, posthumously, for the year 1992. His wife, Genevieve, and three of his sons accepted the award on his behalf. A financial award of $500 was presented to the hospice of St. Mary’s Hospital.

The Peter J. Attarian Award continues to honor psychologists whose work advances the unity and prominence of psychologists in Southern Arizona. It carries a financial award for a charity designated by the recipient.

Dr. Attarian is also honored by the Peter J. Attarian, Ph.D. Humanitarian Award, designated by The University of Arizona College of Medicine.

Contributed by Margaret Akers Johnson, Ph.D.