It is with great sadness we announce the passing of professor emeritus of psychology, Mary Christine (Chris) O'Connor, on March 31st, 2026.

Chris O’Connor was part of the Psychology Department from its inception. Over several decades she helped to shape the department and the university. Chris contributed to the social and intellectual environment of the department, engaging in lively discussion of psychological theory and social issues, and encouraging new faculty to create their own place within Grand Valley. Many of Chris' colleagues prized her intellectual tenacity. She never accepted orthodoxy easily. She pressed her students and fellow faculty to take more seriously the power of culture and the social context in shaping human thinking and behavior. 

We invite you to read more about Chris' life.