Better When We’re Together
An important through-line for the Department of Psychological Sciences over the years has been our collegiality. Whether gathering for a departmental event, an after-work happy hour (affectionately known by many as “bowling”), or lunch break with colleagues, connection with colleagues is an integral part of who we are.
Let’s Hear it for the Lunch Bunch!
For decades, they’ve gathered at noon on the third floor. One by one, they file into the faculty lounge carrying a PB&J and apple from home, takeout from a local fast food chain, or a non-descript brown paper bag from Franklin Deli. If you are lucky, you can catch a masterpiece of wurst and sauerkraut being made on the spot in a toaster oven. Together, they are known as the “Lunch Bunch.” Nothing unusual about colleagues joining together daily for a lunch time break, but even after retirement?
Several Psychological Sciences emeriti do just that, and we are here for it! New faculty members pop in to glean institutional wisdom and a dollop of relaxed collegiality with the Bunch. According to Dr. Richard Hirschman, an “extensive interview process” is undertaken to determine who is permitted to join their bunch – “Do you have aches and pains to talk about?” pipes in Dr. David Riccio “and can you tolerate long-winded explanations for everything?” completes Assistant Professor, Dr. Kathleen Casto. The whole Bunch laughs.
The Bunch began gathering for lunch in 1971 to take a mid-day cognitive break before returning to work. Dr. Hirschman explains that this “breath of social interaction” promoted productivity afterwards. Since retirement, gathering requires more effort. What used to be a call down the hallway --“Are you having lunch?” has become an organizational email, spearheaded by Dr. Riccio. Dr. John Akamatsu describes that he continues returning to the faculty lounge in Kent Hall because he wants to see colleagues and continue those connections. Other frequent members of Lunch Bunch gatherings include Dr. Bob Treichler, affectionately known as “Bobby T,” and Dr. Maria Zaragoza, former beloved chair of Psychological Sciences more than a decade and a half.
The Bunch is more just former colleagues meeting for lunch. They serve as a stronghold of institutional wisdom and good humor for current faculty. Dr. Casto says the Bunch has been a “steadfast support system in the last three years,” since her arrival to KSU. The Bunch reminds us of our strong roots in collegiality, and that every school day deserves a little bit of recess.
Years may pass and faculty may change, but lunchtime traditions are strong in the Department of Psychological Sciences. We love that the Lunch Bunch touches base with each other and with us in Kent Hall, and hope the tradition continues for years to come!
Good Times Had by All at Departmental Potluck
This past May we held our annual departmental potluck picnic at Fred Fuller Park. Graduate students, postdoctoral and Fulbright scholars, faculty, staff, and emeriti gathered together, each bringing a dish to share. Gray skies made it an indoor/outdoor event, but fortunately the raindrops stayed away and lots of fun was had. The Cornhole Competition was tough this year, and graduate student Megan Korhummel together with partner Brandon Miller came out on top! A newly re-established tradition, this potluck picnic has quickly become a favorite way for the Department to celebrate the end of the academic year and welcome the summer.
