K. Robert Nilsson, Robert Blaine Weaver Professor Emeritus of Political
Science
Can you imagine the connection I found between Dr. Nilsson and my career as a marriage
and family therapist? I was unaware of the use I would make of Prof. Nilsson’s
classes on political science and marital conflict. There it was: power.
I was fortunate to be in the first group of Dickinson students who went to Bologna,
Italy, with Dr. Nilsson. There I learned about international relations and the use of
power. Since 1971 I have used the knowledge of international politics in the microcosm
of marital and family politics. In classes with Prof. Nilsson I saw the way nations sought
and kept power; now I see it in the dyads in my office. Between spouses and between parents
and children power and control are ever present. It is clear to me, in part, because
of the words of a professor who took me miles from my middle-class nest to communist
enclaves.
I regret the loss of this man, for he provided so many insights about power and could
then show me the value of good lasagna. When my parents visited Bologna, the good professor
figured out the power dynamics of my parents and facilitated an evening at a fine eatery
in the magnificent city of Bologna. I carry his knowledge with me in the trenches of
family therapy.
Steven Landman ’67
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