Concord's Douglas Powell Honored by Lawrence University

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Douglas Powell

APPLETON, WIS. (06/13/2011)(readMedia)-- Douglas Powell of Concord was honored June 11 by Lawrence University with an award at the college's annual alumni reunion celebration. Powell is a 1956 graduate of Lawrence.

Powell, a Harvard University psychologist, was presented the Lucia R. Briggs Distinguished Achievement Award, which recognizes alumni of more than 15 years for outstanding contributions to, and achievements in, a career field.

Therapist, teacher, consultant and author, Powell has spent nearly a half century at Harvard, where he also earned a Ph.D. in psychology. He worked with University Health Services for nearly four decades, developing revolutionary techniques that enabled students to overcome debilitating performance anxiety.

Powell began his career with the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine, evaluating astronaut candidates for the Gemini and Apollo space programs.

Still active as a clinical instructor in psychology at Harvard's Clinical and Translation Science Center, Powell helped develop MicroCog: Assessment of Cognitive Functioning, one of the first computerized tests to diagnose the cognitive symptoms of mild Alzheimer's disease. MicroCog is used by the National Football League to measure neurological function in its players.

His interest in the mental effects of aging has led him to write three books on the subject, including "The Aging Intellect," which was published last month. The book provides evidence-based recommendations that can help minimize the effects of predictable cognitive changes on the aging and enable elderly adults to more fully use their mental abilities.

About Lawrence University

Charting an uncommon course in higher education for more than 160 years, Lawrence University uniquely integrates a college of liberal arts and sciences with a conservatory of music, both devoted exclusively to undergraduate education. It ranks among the nation's best small, private colleges, and was selected for inclusion in the book "Colleges That Change Lives: 40 Schools That Will Change the Way You Think About College." The development of multiple interests and community engagement are central to the Lawrence experience, where classes or creative and research projects tailored to students' educational interests and life objectives are prevalent. Lawrence draws its 1,520 students from 44 states and 56 countries. Its picturesque, residential campus is nestled on the banks of the Fox River in Appleton, Wisconsin. For more information about Lawrence University visit www.lawrence.edu.