Maxine Ruth Samorodin was awarded a Presidential Citation for realizing the importance of psychological health in her career, and the rare accomplishment of having lived 100 years.
The American Psychological Association congratulates Samorodin on the rare accomplishment of having lived 100 years. Born early in the 20th century, Samorodin was a ground breaker including being the first person in her family to graduate from college. Early on she realized the importance of psychological health and the value of psychotherapy, demonstrating that in her own life and by supporting the well being of others. At a time when women were discouraged from combining a career and a family, she did both. While married and raising her daughter, Samorodin used her interpersonal skills and artistic talents to develop a successful interior decorating business. Once retired, Samorodin took art classes and sculpted in marble. Several of her pieces were shown in exhibits at the New School for Social Research. Samorodin's life has been informed by psychology and art and has been a model for other women of her time.