Pitt Education Dean Recently Honored by the American Jewish Committee at the Appeal for Human Relations Dinner

PITTSBURGH—Alan Lesgold, University of Pittsburgh School of Education dean and professor of psychology and intelligent systems, received the 2004 Appeal for Human Relations Award from the American Jewish Committee (AJC) at its annual dinner on Dec. 1. Lesgold was honored for his devotion to the AJC community and for creating opportunity for all people.

Mark S. Frank, AJC president, noted in a dinner program that Lesgold has made important contributions to the development of new technologies that help to better teach and train people around the world. He also provides leadership locally through his work on the board of A+ Schools and as chair of the advisory board for the Center for Learning at the Community College of Allegheny County.

In addition, Lesgold served as past president of Rodef Shalom and regional officer of the Union for Reform Judaism and is a member of the United Jewish Federation Commission on Learning, all of which demonstrate his commitment to and leadership in the Jewish community.

Prior to becoming the School of Education dean, Lesgold served as executive associate director of Pitt's Learning Research and Development Center. He founded and directed Pitt's interdisciplinary doctoral program in cognitive science and artificial intelligence.

Lesgold earned the Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology (with high honor) at Michigan State University and the Master of Arts and Ph.D. degrees in psychology at Stanford University. He also holds an honorary doctorate from the Open University of the Netherlands in recognition of his scientific contributions to educational technology and applied educational research.

The AJC is committed to advancing democracy, pluralism, and mutual understanding.

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12/10/04/tmw