Florence Denmark

I have known Florence for just over 32 years. She is a remarkable psychologist, mentor, colleague, and friend whose influence shaped countless lives, including my own.
It is impossible for me to separate my professional journey from Florence’s influence. She was instrumental in my hiring at Pace University in 1994, a pivotal moment that launched a career spanning more than two decades. Her confidence in me opened doors and created opportunities that profoundly shaped my professional life.
Florence was a pioneer in psychology and a passionate advocate for international collaboration. Yet what I will remember most is her generosity. She invested in people, nurtured potential, and brought together colleagues who became valued collaborators and lifelong friends. Through her, I became part of a community that enriched both my professional and personal life.
When I retired from my full-time faculty position at Pace University in 2017, our connection did not end. We remained in close contact and continued to co-teach our online graduate course in international psychology until 2023. Even after all those years, I continued to learn from her wisdom, energy, and unwavering commitment to students and the profession.
Florence’s legacy is found not only in her many accomplishments, but in the people she inspired, mentored, and connected. I am deeply grateful for her friendship, guidance, and belief in me.
Thank you, Florence, for opening doors, building bridges, and making a lasting difference in my life and in the lives of so many others.
– Richard Velayo