Western Washington University

05/19/2026 | News release | Archived content

Psychology's Larry Symons retires June 16

Psychology's Larry Symons retires June 16

May 19, 2026

Associate Professor of Psychology Larry Symons, right, plans to spend more time with his grandchildren after retirement.

Associate Professor Larry Symons has been a member of the Psychology Department since 2000.

He earned his Ph.D. from the University of Western Ontario (or, as he calls it, the "other Western"), completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Queen's University in Kingston Ontario, and then settled here. Before arriving at Western, his research included studies of rat behaviors, human perception of illusions, and studies of babies and young children's perception of where people are looking. While at Western, his research has focused primarily on how people perceive faces, the direction of gaze, and the brain activity associated with that perception.

He is a versatile teacher, offering courses that range from 400-seat introductory psychology classes to 15-seat seminars in cognitive neuroscience. He is also a talented teacher, respected especially for his engaging lectures, his sense of humor, and for his kindness.

Symons has contributed countless hours of service to the university, including work as a union steward, and on many college and departmental committees. From 2010 to 2018, he led the Psychology Department as its chair. He is a strong supporter and mentor to his colleagues. In fact, he is so trusted by his colleagues that he surely holds the departmental record for completing the most peer observations of teaching.

Symons, right, plans to spend more time with his grandchildren in retirement.

Personally, he married his wife Janai (who worked in WWU's Office of Research and Sponsored Programs ) in 2006 and they raised their seven children together until her passing in 2023. In retirement, he plans to enjoy traveling and spending more time with his grandchildren in the Midwest.

He is having a party to celebrate his retirement on June 20, 2026! This drop-in event will be held at the Squalicum Boathouse at Zuanich Point from 6-9 p.m. Finger foods will be provided, but feel free to bring a beverage to share. If you're interested in coming, please RSVP by June 17 here: https://tinyurl.com/2n6x665a

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