David P. Boder Psychology Fund
The David P. Boder Psychology Fund was established in honor of Dr. Boder for his commitment to higher education, his efforts on behalf of the study of psychology at IIT, and his dedication to psychology as a science.In many ways, Dr. David P. Boder can be considered the "father" of Psychology at IIT. His long affiliation with IIT began in 1927, when he was hired by IIT (then Lewis University) as a professor for evening classes. In 1929, Dr. Boder was named professor of Psychology. Six years later, he headed the Department of Psychology and Philosophy.
In 1946, Professor Boder stepped down from chairmanship of the department to travel to Europe to interview and record the experiences of Holocaust survivors during World War II. Dr. Boder was able to record 109 interviews, totaling 120 hours, onto a wire recorder developed by another IIT professor, Dr. Marvin Camras. This recorder was the basis for modern magnetic recording, and Dr. Boder's work was the first methodical application of recording to oral history.
In 1952, Dr. David Boder was made Professor Emeritus of IIT. Soon after, he retired to California. More about Dr. Boder's project can be found at the Voices of the Holocaust.
The College of Psychology in collaboration with IIT's Galvin Library completed translation and transcription of all of Dr. Boder's 1946 interviews. IIT appreciates the generous support of alumni and friends at all levels of giving which helped make this possible. Philanthropic support allows the College to fund worthy endeavors, including scholarships, initiatives to enhance teaching, research, and development of collaborative efforts.
To donate to the David P. Boder Psychology Fund with a gift to the College of Psychology, please contact Olivia Anderson, Senior Director of Development, andersono@iit.edu or 312.567.6750 or visit our online giving page. Please indicate your gift is to be designated to the David Boder project in Psychology.