Marvin D. Dunnette

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Dunnette, Marvin D. Professor Emeritus of Psychology, University of Minnesota. Age 80, of St. Paul, died September 18, 2007 of Alzheimer's complicated by lung and heart disease. Dr. Dunnette, an icon in Industrial and Organizational (I-O) Psychology, was one of the pillars in what was known for many years as the Minnesota Tradition in applied psychology. He was instrumental in making the I-O group at the U of M a premier group of I-O psychologists in the latter half of the 20th century, a legacy that continues to this day. Although he authored some of the most significant publications in the field of I-O Psychology in the 20th century, he was most proud of his contributions to the lives of his students, 62 of whom received doctorates of psychology under his mentorship. His students, colleagues, and friends honored him with numerous tributes, including the creation and funding of the Marvin D. Dunnette Chair in I-O Psychology at the U of M as well as the Dunnette Prize awarded by the Society of I-O Psychology for distinguished contributions in the field of differential psychology, a major focus of his life-long passion of valuing individual differences. Dunnette is revered for his creative thinking and research, clarity of writing, iconoclastic critiques, awesome mentorship, remarkable humanity, and sense of humor. He is survived by his wife, Leaetta; his three daughters, Alex, Peggy, and Sheri; his three grandchildren, Pauline, Rosalie, and Hunter; his brother, Roger; and his former wife, Jean Royer. Visitation is September 28, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Unity Church (732 Holly Ave. St. Paul) with burial to follow at Oakland Cemetery, and a Memorial Service at 7:00 p.m. at Unity Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Dunnette Chair or the Dunnette Prize and mailed to 370 Summit Ave., St. Paul, MN 55102. The Funeral Directors 612-866-6711

Published on September 23, 2007