September 30, 2005 Source: St. Mary's University:
http://www.smu.ca/newsreleases/2005/30-30-30-30-09-2005.html He's got hope A student enrolled in the PhD Program in Industrial Organizational Psychology at Saint Mary's University has received a major award from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation (NSHRF) that will allow him to research the topic of hope after retirement. The leading health organization in the province has awarded Matt Prosser with $40,000.00 so that he can carry out this research at the graduate level of study at one of Canada's oldest and leading institutions of higher learning. He recently completed his Master of Applied Science Degree in Industrial Organizational Psychology at the University, and during his time in this well-known program he learned about the topic of hope after age 65 - the time when most people in our society retire. Since this subject fascinated him to no end, he just knew it would be worthy of a PhD dissertation, which he has entitled, "Hope and Retirement: Hope, Well-Being, and Goal Fulfillment for Pre and Post Retirees." "I am so thrilled to receive this support from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation," smiles Prosser during an interview on campus. "My thesis will set out to explore the effects of positive attitudes and how they influence people who are faced with the daunting prospect of retirement," he explains. "More specifically, my goal is to look at the connection between hope and happiness and the impact this has on one's health," he adds. "As well, I want to explore people who are healthy, but not happy." Prosser knows all about having hope in life too. He came to Saint Mary's two years ago as a graduate student, not long after a serious workplace accident. Both he and his father once owned a construction company in the United States. "One day, I was on a ladder that was blown over by the wind, and it sent me crashing into a power line," he recalls. "My father managed to pull me free from the electricity, but he suffered serious injuries of his own and is currently still in a coma, which is truly sad. He saved my life, and I can only hope he will be okay," he indicates in a somber tone. The accident prompted him to immediately close the company, move back to Halifax with his wife and two daughters, and enroll at Saint Mary's. "I have made the right decision in coming to Saint Mary's, an institution of higher learning that has a unique Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research," he says. "I really enjoy the fact that my professors are always available to talk and help answer any questions I have. I am so impressed at how nurturing and supportive they are." Prosser plans on completing the PhD Program in Industrial Organizational Behaviour at Saint Mary's in the Spring of 2008. Saint Mary's University is known for its community outreach projects, both in Canada and around the world. Saint Mary's, founded in 1802, is home to one of Canada's leading business schools, a Science Faculty widely known for its cutting-edge research, a comprehensive and innovative Arts Faculty and a vibrant Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research. -30- For More Information: Paul Fitzgerald
Public Affairs Officer
Saint Mary's University, Public Affairs
(902) 420.5514
E-mail: paul.fitzgerald@smu.ca
www.smu.ca
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