March 19, 1999

Cecile Usdin, wife of psychiatrist Gene Usdin, M.D., will be honored posthumously by the APA Auxiliary at its luncheon on Tuesday, May 18, at the Monarch Hotel. The luncheon will be held in conjunction with APA's 1999 annual meeting in Washington, D.C.

Usdin, a longtime auxiliary member, was the artist who created the organ-ization's logo, titled "Support System." The logo consists of two figures, a man and a woman, emanating from a common foundation. Each leans back into his or her individuality, but needs the other for support. The faces of the figures are featureless because they represent every man and woman. The original sculpture is at APA headquarters in Washington, D.C.

"As the APA Auxiliary undergoes its many changes," said Debbie Lazarus, the auxiliary's president, "we hold to the essential ideas captured in our beautiful logo. Like the founding organization, we recognize the individuality of our members with the common theme of promoting and supporting the mental health issues of APA. We are a separate organization, but we each gain support from the other. We see ourselves as partners with APA."

Last year the auxiliary voted to expand its membership from the spouses of APA members to any individual who is sponsored by a current APA or auxiliary member and wants to become involved in the auxiliary's work (see box at right).

Usdin, who died last month, was well known in her hometown of New Orleans for her art work and civic volunteerism. Among the places where her work is on display are the Waldenberg Village Sculpture Garden, Newman School, and Touro Infirmary; her work is also in the private collections of many psychiatrists. She was active in many civic organizations, including the American Red Cross, and generously gave her time and talents to the APA auxiliary. She was chosen as a City of New Orleans Volunteer Activist in 1989.

Information on tickets to the auxiliary luncheon, which will feature a presentation by Peter Kramer, M.D., is available by calling Agnes Foos at (818) 957-7156. Tickets purchased before April 23 cost $70; after that date, $75.