Guido Zanni

Guido Zanni

Recognizing the importance of The New School for Social Research in shaping who he is today, psychologist and author Guido Zanni, PhD Psychology ’76, sought to help future graduate students through a bequest establishing a fellowship in honor of his former professor and mentor, Mary Henle.

Reflecting on his experience at The New School, Zanni said, “I could not have asked for a more thorough preparation for my first job as an assistant professor. More relevant, however, is that my graduate studies improved my analytical thinking, a basic skill for any job.” Mary Henle in particular challenged him to question long-held views. Henle, who passed away in 2007, became a respected psychologist at a time when women and Jews faced barriers to success. After a distinguished career in teaching and research at several renowned American universities, Henle served as a professor at The New School for Social Research from 1946 till 1983.

Zanni’s bequest in Henle’s memory pays tribute to her influence on her students and to the fellowship that enabled him to conduct his own research. As a recipient of the Hiram J. Halle Fellowship at The New School for Social Research, Zanni knows firsthand how important financial support can be for students. “This funding made a huge difference in my ability to complete my dissertation in a timely manner,” he said. “I feel passionate about giving back to the institution that gave so much to me.”