Dr. Donald Schiff

October 27, 1933 – January 17, 2017

After graduating from high school, Donald joined the Navy. He was on a Landing Ship Tank (LST) during the Korean War, and was put in charge of armory. It always behooved him that an 18 year old could be put in charge of guns. After serving his country, he went on to higher education. Don earned his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from Brooklyn College and his Ph.D. with an emphasis on experimental psychology from New York University. He received a Founders Day Award from NYU given to those who have distinguished themselves among fellow students through consistent evidence of outstanding scholarship. Don also interned at the Astor Home in Rhinebeck and became certified as a Clinical Psychologist.

In 1963, he started teaching at New Paltz College (later to earn the name the State University at New Paltz). The Psychology Department was in its stage of infancy. Don was instrumental in the design and creation of the Psych labs at the college. There, students experimented with rats and performed other learning experiences. Later, his teaching specialty became Statistics; his students always would say what a great teacher he was. He loved his students as well as the college. He wrote a book on statistical methods and a software program called Easistat. Upon retirement, Don was conferred the title of Professor Emeritus of Psychology.

With a busy schedule, Don still found time to be a volunteer. He was an Umpire for the New Paltz Little League, he helped to start a Jewish Community Center, he served as an Ulster County Ombudsman in several nursing homes, and took on the responsibility to sell Shop Rite and Top’s Gift Certificates as a fundraiser for the New Paltz synagogue. He loved the New Paltz Community.

In addition, Don found stamp collecting as a joyful hobby, so much so that as an entrepreneur, he became a mail order dealer of commemorative stamp covers. He then took his entrepreneurial skills to the video movie rental business and established Genesee Valley Video in the college town of Geneseo, New York. Don’s businesses brought enjoyment to many.

Donald married his wife, Joyce, in 1958. Together, they had four children and eventually ten grandchildren. He loved his family and was proud of his children and grandchildren. Don’s son and daughter-in-law, Allen ‘93 and Stacey Schiff, established this scholarship to honor Dr. Schiff’s memory and contributions to the field.