MAPP Alum In Memory

In memory of Katie Wittekind

Kathryn Britton — Tue, 23 May 2023 17:06:49 GMT

It is with heavy hearts that we convey the tragic news of our beloved MAPPster Katie Wittekind’s (MAPP 13) passing on Sunday, May 14th in a biking accident.

We invite you to share your memories as comments for this post.

Katie was an integral part of our community, a cherished friend, and a passionate advocate for the marginalized. She was a wife and mother, and has left behind a grieving husband, Jim, and two sons, Weston and Aiden. Katie also shared her many gifts with the world as a coach and leadership consultant.

Katie's business partner has shared information that will help support Katie's family during this time: a Meal Train for the family, a GoFundMe campaign, a scholarship fund for their nonprofit, and the family’s address (3220 W. Dannielle Dr., Flagstaff, AZ 86001), where you can send cards and messages. Katie’s organization, Lancaster Leadership, has also created a page for people to share memories and stories about Katie.

We mourn the loss of Katie, whose passing has left our community with a painful hole in it. Let us be present to support each other through this difficult time. Should you need further support, we have included additional resources below.

In the coming weeks, we will share plans for honoring Katie's memory and contributions to our MAPP family. In the meantime, our thoughts and hearts are with the community and Katie's family.

With love and care,

The 2023 MAPP Alumni Association Board

Rephael Houston (MAPP 14), President

Pax Tandon (MAPP 5) and Mark O’Brien (MAPP 17), Communications Committee

Rest in Peace, Ray

Kathryn Britton — Mon, 23 Mar 2015 19:47:21 GMT

From a note From a note to the MAPP Alumni from James Pawelski dated March 18, 2015:

Dear MAPP Alumni,

It is with sadness that I write with the news that Ray Fowler passed away last night. Positive psychology has lost a great leader, and MAPP has lost an amazing teacher and supporter.

Ray was the CEO of the American Psychological Association when Marty was president, and he helped with the launching of positive psychology. Ray spoke on the very first day of MAPP in the Fall of 2005, and he was a much-beloved instructor in MAPP 700 in some years. It was at his suggestion that the International Positive Psychology Association was founded, and he worked hard to help it get launched successfully.

He was a warm and caring person, an inspiration, mentor, teacher, and friend to many, many people around the world during his long and fruitful life.

Thank you, Ray. May you rest in peace.

James

Abigail Ann Hone

Lisa Sansom — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:15:06 GMT

Lucy Hone's 12 year old daughter, Abigail, was killed in a car crash in New Zealand on June 1, 2014.

Lucy Hone is from the MAPP.5 class. She is a powerful force not only for positive psychology, but also for positive health which is the focus of her PhD. She is working very hard to spread positive psychology in the NZ community. Any death is, of course, a tragedy, but that it should happen so suddenly to someone so young and from such a positive vibrant family is heartbreaking on many levels. I know our thoughts and hearts go out to Lucy, her husband Trevor, and their family at this time.

Another family was also impacted by the tragedy as Abigail was in a friend's car at the time. Abigail's 12 yr old friend, Ella Yasmin Summerfield, and her mother were also killed. Ella and Abigail are "the two gorgeous girls" in the article that appeared in The Press, press.co.nz. The father of the other family was driving and is in hospital. It appears that the crash was entirely bad luck and the responsibility of the other driver who ran a stop sign at a very high speed. The car that Abigail was in was driving at the speed limit and all were wearing seatbelts. It's truly a horrific tragedy.

Please use the space below to add your thoughts and feelings - memories of Abigail and condolences for Lucy, Trevor, and their sons Ed and Paddy.

Robyn Anne Fry Brook, MAPP 2010, died October 2, 2012

Kathryn Britton — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 20:28:21 GMT

Robyn came to MAPP from Australia, where she focused on positive education.

Her capstone was titled, Positive Psychology in Education: A positive education model.

Here she is, pictured with Paul Rozen.

Christopher Peterson, Founding Faculty Member of MAPP, February 18, 1950 - October 9, 2012

Kathryn Britton — Sat, 13 Oct 2012 20:35:45 GMT

Losing Chris has left a hole in our hearts.

Chris summed up positive psychology in three words, "Other people matter."

Various groups and individuals have posted tributes online, including The University of Michigan obituary and Positive Psychology News Daily's article, You Mattered, Chris, where 50 comments were posted with memories and pictures of Chris.