BSC Psychologist Robert Read Served Students

Dr. Robert R. Read, a staff psychologist at the Bureau of Study Counsel, passed away of a heart attack on Sept. 9.

“Dr. Read was a very strong, respected and admired member of the Bureau,” said Charles P. Ducey, director of the Bureau of Study Counsel.

Read first became associated with the Bureau as a graduate student in 1984. As a staff psychologist, he discussed a variety of issues with students.

Suzanne M. Renna, the associate director of the Bureau, remembers Read as a “good, strong organizer” who encouraged “people trying to find their way.” Outside of his work as a counselor, Read was very involved with the Harvard community.

He organized workshops for the Freshman Dean’s Office to train proctors, as well as similar workshops for House tutors. He was a member of the Dunster House senior common room.

Read was one of the original supervisors of both the undergraduate counseling group Room 13, and In Common, a similar program for graduate students.

He received his undergraduate degree in sociology in 1969 from Colgate University, and subsequently worked with Vista, a volunteer organization similar to the Peace Corps. He also organized a walk across the United States in 1976 for disarmament and social justice. More recently, he helped to found the Massachusetts Mental Health Emergency Network for the Red Cross.

He received his doctorate in Counseling and Consulting Psychology from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education in 1987, and became a licensed Massachusetts psychologist two years later. He ran a private practice in Belmont and taught at Cambridge College as a senior faculty member.

Read enjoyed playing tennis and running. He also enjoyed working with wood, and along with his wife, he built a house in New Hampshire. According to Renna, Read also supported many social causes.

“Dr. Read was a very caring person. He was always there when someone was in need in a very humane way,” says Renna.

He is survived by his wife and two daughters.