Calvin Remembers Robert Terborg
For 40 years, Robert Terborg served in Calvin’s psychology department, both as a faculty member and department chair. On Monday, December 2, he passed away as the result of a stroke. Terborg was 83 years old.
After graduating from Calvin in 1963, Terborg received his PhD in experimental psychology from Michigan State University. He returned to teach at his alma mater in 1968.
Shaping spaces and students
A trailblazer at Calvin, Terborg was the institution’s first experimental psychologist. He also played a central role in designing the psychology department’s physical facilities and in helping shape its curriculum.
Terborg’s teaching specialized in the psychology of learning and experimental psychology. His students saw him as both a rigorous and, at the same time, fair and supportive teacher, who equipped them well.
“For more than a quarter century, every psychology major who pursued graduate study in the discipline completed Bob’s experimental psychology course. Those alumni reflect with gratitude on his teaching as having prepared them particularly well for the challenges of graduate school,” wrote a former colleague in their 2007 retirement tribute of Terborg.
Serving beyond the classroom
Not only did Terborg provide a great service to his students, but he also served his fellow colleagues. Beyond fulfilling the departmental chair role, he provided wise counsel on various college-wide and departmental committees as well as faculty senate.
Terborg also served the broader academy through his scholarship, which included a special interest in research on learned helplessness and punishment. In addition to publishing in major journals, he also frequently spoke to church and school groups on the implications of this research. He also maintained membership in the American Psychological Association and the Midwest Psychological Association.
Outside of Calvin, Terborg served on his church council at Woodlawn CRC, loved the outdoors, and loved his family.
Terborg is survived by his wife of 53 years, Beth, his children Douglas, Kristin (Tom) Buursma, and his four granddaughters.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, December 28, 2024, at the Woodlawn CRC Ministry Center (3190 Burton St. SE, Grand Rapids, Mich.) Visitation will take place at 10 a.m. with the service to follow at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider a gift to the Cornelius A. and Lettie G. Plantinga scholarship at the psychology department at Calvin University.