The University of Miami Counseling Center (UMCC), part of the Division of Student Affairs, provides high-quality counseling, outreach, and psychoeducation to University students. UMCC works closely with other areas of the University to provide timely and effective services.
The Counseling Center was founded in 1946 by Dr. Jess Spirer, who was also the first director. He held that role for thirty-three years. In 1947 he also became the first director of the Guidance Center, which he developed into an interdisciplinary department including psychological counseling, a reading clinic, a speech and hearing clinic, a vocational and educational guidance clinic, and a testing bureau.
Edward Rappaport, Ph.D., ABPP, who was hired by Dr. Spirer himself and still continues to work at the Counseling Center states, “Jess would definitely have a place on the Mt. Rushmore of the Counseling Center if it existed. He was a scholar and a true Renaissance man, having a background in law and anthropology in addition to clinical psychology. He was a pioneer in Florida psychology, being one of the first psychologists to be licensed in the State of Florida. Dr. Spirer was a progressive and open-minded individual who was able to adjust to changes in the field while providing admirable leadership to the Counseling Center. Reflecting on Jess and the wisdom he shared brings a smile to my face, and I am forever grateful that I embarked on my career at UM under his leadership.”
In recognition of Dr. Spirer’s commitment and contributions to the development of the Counseling Center and a thank you for the generous donation made by his daughter Ruth Spirer Perfido and son-in law Leonard Perfido to the Dr. Jess Spirer Doctoral Internship Program, the University is placing a plaque in Dr. Spirer’s honor in the reception area of the Counseling Center. Both Ruth and Leonard stated, “We are pleased that our donation is a way to honor my father and to reinforce the Dr. Jess Spirer Doctoral Internship Program, which began in 1993, so that it can continue to be one of the nation’s preeminent doctoral internships in the field of psychology.”
Rene Monteagudo, Ph.D., the current Director of the Counseling Center states, “Dr. Spirer led a foundational department for UM students and the University. Thousands and thousands of students have been helped and healed through the Counseling Center, and the University is deeply indebted to his efforts.”
The University is honored by the generous contribution made in Dr. Jess Spirer’s honor. He will be remembered at the Counseling Center as one who stood for excellence in the clinical training of graduate students as well as for the highest level of professionalism in the delivery of counseling and clinical services to students at the University. The Counseling Center is proud to honor Ruth Spirer-Perfido and Leonard Perfido with a plaque in his honor.
