WWU’s Joseph Trimble Wins Lifetime Award from American Psychological Foundation

BELLINGHAM – Western Washington University’s Joseph Trimble has won the American Psychological Foundation’s 2017 Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in Psychology in the Public Interest.

Trimble, a professor of Psychology and a research associate at Western’s Center for Cross-Cultural Research, was honored for his life’s work and contribution to promoting psychological and sociocultural research with indigenous populations, especially American Indians and Alaska Natives. Over the course of his career, he has generated over 150 publications and technical reports on topics in psychology and authored or edited 22 books.

In its presentation letter, the award selection committee said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to recognize your inspiring career and achievements in the field of psychology.” The award will be presented by Dr. Terence Keane, APF President, during the APF Awards Ceremony at the American Psychology Association Convention Aug. 3-6 in Washington, D.C.     

The award recognizes a distinguished career and enduring contribution to the application of psychology in the public interest.

“I’m deeply honored and flattered as it’s not given out to many people. I guess I must be doing something right that makes a positive difference in the lives of so many people; if that’s the case then that’s enough for me to be content with my accomplishment, influence and dedication,” Trimble said. 

Trimble received his bachelor’s degree from Waynesburg College (now University) in 1961 and pursued graduate studies in Psychology at the University of New Hampshire, Harvard University, and the University of Oklahoma, where he received his doctorate in 1969. He has been at Western since 1979. He is the recipient of many other awards, including WWU’s Excellence in Teaching Award in 1987, the Henry Tomes Award for Distinguished Contributions to the Advancement of Ethnic Minority Psychology in 2009 and the Paul J. Olscamp Outstanding Faculty Research Award in 1999; he is the second faculty member at Western to receive both awards.

For more information on Trimble’s award, contact him at (360) 650-3058 or joseph.trimble@wwu.edu.