Creative Education Foundation (CEF) – Where Brainstorming Began

Dr. Donald W. MacKinnon is perhaps best known for research in human personality and the establishment of the Institute of Personality Assessment (IPAR) at the University of California at Berkeley.  He was also considered an expert on creative process.  He is recognized as a pioneer in the area of creativity research.  His research approach has been based in true psychological scientific tradition, therefore valuable not only to the basic scientist but also to the applied practitioner as well.  His contributions to the study of the creative personality have not been rivaled. He was very widely published including In Search of Human Effectiveness: Identifying and Developing Creativity, one of the Classic Series published by CEF Press.  His famous study of architects demonstrated how the most successful among them (as judged by their peers) relied on their inner knowledge as well as outer knowledge in making critical design decisions.

Don was a CPSI Leader beginning in 1975 when he was featured as one of 4 key individuals invited to speak at the first CEF sponsored Leadership Convocation.  Others were Calvin Taylor, J. P. Guilford, and E. Paul Torrance.   Don’s sessions at CPSI were always stimulating and very well attended.  He also served on the Creative Education Foundation Board of Trustees.  He spent a lot of time with individuals and small groups at CPSI which endeared him to other leaders and participants.

J.P. Guilford is best known for his three-dimensional model “Structure of the Intellect” in which he classified intellectual acts into 120 separate categories – Operation dimensions, Product dimensions, Material or content dimensions. He developed firm convictions regarding the ability of individual differences among people. He determined that “intelligence is too complicated to be subsumed by a few primary mental abilities.” He also talked about “divergent thinking” as being a part of these categories. In 1955 he totally rocked his audience at the American Psychological Association Convention when he proclaimed that I.Q. tests were not the only means of measuring intelligence.

His academic career took him from the University of Nebraska to the University of Southern California to becoming Director of Psychological Research at Santa Ana Army Base. His work his greatly influenced the field of education. Most of the curriculum of the Gifted and TalentedPrograms are based on Guilford’s “Structure of the Intellect” model.

At CPSI, J.P. gave very generously of his time to leaders and participants. He was a guru who gathered crowds around him. His research work was such an encouragement to those in the creativity field who at that time often existed in hostile climates. And his belief in research helped to give greater legitimacy to the creativity field. He also served as a member of the CEF Board of Trustees and helped shape the early Creative Education Foundation.

Tom Kuby has spent a lifetime sharing his expertise in creative thinking with companies and in business courses in colleges and universities. An early accomplishment was with the Martin Marietta Corporation, now Lockheed Martin in Orlando, where he did aggressive training throughout for 4 years and saved the company $104 million. His business successes are numerous as are his teaching successes of creativity courses. Among the institutions of higher education where he has taught creativity courses are Case Western Reserve, John Carroll University, and Cleveland State University. Most of his teaching has been to managerial and executive level clientele.

Tom met Alex Osborn in 1962 and Sid Parnes soon after that. He became a highly valued leader at CPSI, primarily teaching creativity as applied to marketing and management. His contributions to CEF and CPSI were amazingly plentiful. He served on the CEF Board of Trustees where he chaired the Marketing and Public Relations Committee for 7 years, he produced a Video Tribute to CPSI Leaders for the 50th anniversary celebration in 2004, he published a quarterly CEF/CPSI newsletter In Perspective for several years, and he chaired CPSI’s 40th anniversary celebration.

With all of that, Tom is an accomplished writer, artist, photographer, and a man who gives his all for what he believes in – like creativity.

E. Paul Torrance, known around the world as the “Father of Creativity,” dedicated nearly 60 years of his life to research in the field and has impacted educational practices profoundly. His research became the framework for gifted education. “The Torrance Tests of Creative Thinking” helped shatter the theory that IQ tests alone are enough to measure intelligence. The tests have been used in over 2,000 studies and have been translated into 32 languages. His “Future Problem Solving” program today reaches approximately 250,000 young people internationally. Torrance, who was named a distinguished professor emeritus at the Universities of Minnesota and Georgia, published dozens of book and over 2,000 articles, served on the Board of Trustees of the Creative Education Foundation and was an instructor for many years at their Creative Problem Solving Institute. The results of his one-of-a-kind 40-year longitudinal study are reported in his 2001 book Manifesto: A Guide to Developing a Creative Career. The Torrance Center for Creative Studies at the University of Georgia’s College of Education was established in 1984 upon Dr. Torrance’s retirement and still thrives today in continuing his scholarly inquiry into the field of creative education.

Father Barth attended his first CPSI in 1964 and had very steady attendance until his death in 1996. He was born in Moundsville, WVA, the sixth of seven children. At the age of 32 he entered the St. Charles Seminary in Springfield, MA into the Order of Passionists, a preaching order, retreat and mission oriented. Six years later in 1934 he was ordained. Throughout his 30+ years at CPSI, “Cam” taught Springboard, Extending, and in the Facilitator Training Program. He was known for “working the cafeteria,” constantly engaging participants and leaders alike in conversation. He always had a clever creativity thought to share. He was a walking example of the CPSI Spirit. He had an on-going correspondence with Alex Osborn who once wrote to him, “Cam, let’s get this out of the hardware stage and into the heartware stage . . . . problems don’t come from things but from people. ” He was beloved by all for his wit and his compassion.

Robert Barnett was Professor Emeritus and Dean of the Division of Creative Arts at Bridgewater State College (MA) where he directed scores of theatrical productions. Additionally he was a prolific writer of plays and children’s books. With Dorie Shallcross, Bob conducted the first Leader Training programs at CPSI. He was a master teacher, able to evoke talents from people that they didn’t think they had. He attended CPSI from the very early years on. A popular speaker and workshop director, Bob was known for his humor and his highly energized presentations.

Dr. Bernèche is Professor Emeritus of psychology at the Universite du Quebec where he also had an addition appointment to the Art Department.

He initiated creativity course in both departments. He designs and teaches training programs in Creative Problem Solving. Rene also collaborates in research with artists and psychologists to develop creative potential enhancing techniques and defining motivation to create. René is a former member of the CEF Board of Trustees.

Dr. Robert Berner is Professor Emeritus of the School of Management at the University of Buffalo and co-founder with Alex Osborn of the first CPSI in 1955. As Dean of the UB Millard-Fillmore College, Bob was able to be instrumental in instituting the first courses in creativity in higher education in the early 1950s and in bringing Sid Parnes on board at his institution. He served for many years on the CEF Board of Trustees.

Professor Emeritus and Founder of the Institute for Creative Studies at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis, Dr. Bleedorn did her doctoral work with E. Paul Torrance. Among her publications are 2 books Education for Creative Development and Education: Everybody’s Business. This author, lecturer, consultant has been an influential voice in creative education for many years. Bee has been a CPSI Leader for over 20 years.

Robert E. Johnston, Jr. is co-author with Doug Bate of the dynamic book The Power of Strategy Innovation. He was the founding principal and Managing Partner for IdeaScope in Cambridge, MA, and San Francisco. He is presently principal of the Visterra Group in Sharon, MA. Bob has been a CPSI Leader for more than 20 years. He is the former treasurer of the CEF Board. He was co-founder with Dorie Shallcross of Global Odyssey, now CPSI Youthwise. For number of years his company sponsored Arts Night at CPSI, a special evening at an art gallery.

Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Rehabilitation Counselor Education at Oklahoma State University, Dr. Morgan was a part of CPSI from the early years on, first as a participant and then as an esteemed Leader. In later years, he was joined in some of his presentations by his daughter Dr. Jane Morgan-Bost, also a clinical psychologist. Clayton served as a mentor to many, both at CPSI and elsewhere. He promoted the incorporation of principles in Osborn’s Applied Imagination into the pre-entry and post-entry education programs of professionals working in rehabilitation.

Marion Osborn, daughter of Alex Osborn, served on the CEF Board of Trustees for more than 20 years and was named a Life-time member. She held the position of secretary. Marn has been a major advocate and supporter of CEF over many years. She has attended CPSI regularly. Marn holds an honorary discharge from the United States Navy, having served in the WAVES. She also had a career as a travel agent and has traveled broadly. Marion has served on boards of Visiting Nurses, Westminster Presbyterian Church in Buffalo, and Halloway Memorial Chapel in Canada.

Mrs. Parnes is second only to her husband Sid Parnes for number of years in attendance at CPSI. The first CPSI was a “men only” affair. Bea has been an instructor in the San Diego Community College District. She is a specialist in Early Childhood Education. Her book, co-authored with another CPSI Leader Tom Potter, is called Parenting Playfully. Bea has traveled the world with Sid teaching Creative Problem Solving.

Renowned Professor Emeritus of Psychology at New York University, Dr. Stein is recognized among the giants in the field of creativity. Among his numerous publications is his definitive two-volume book Stimulating Creativity. Each year he published Creativity’s Global Correspondents, which featured the latest creativity research from around the world. Moe was one of the pioneers in creativity research. At CPSI he regularly gave presentations and was a keynote speaker. A major contribution to the conference was a highly touted research symposium which attracted researchers from around the world. “Contricipation” is a term he coined meaning everyone has a role in the creative process, either contributing or creating it.

Robert Eberle was an educational administrator in Edwardsville, IL. He was a prolific writer on creativity for children and for teachers. His most famous creative thinking resource book for creativity instructors is SCAMPER, which is still widely used. A Leader at CPSI for over 30, Bob was especially influential in the adaptation of creativity principles to traditional education. He was a tireless devotee of creative thinking and carried his message far and wide in the education world.

Dr. Shallcross is Professor Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst where she directed a graduate program in creativity. She is author of 4 books (3 co-authored with Dorothy Sisk and 1 with Rosalie Deer Heart). Her book with Heart Celebrating the Soul of CPSI was published by CEF Press commemorating the 50th anniversary of CEF/CPSI in 2004. Dorie is a past president of the CEF Board of Trustees and a consulting editor for The Journal of Creative Behavior. She is a founding board member and currently president of the Board of Trustees of a performing arts charter high school in South Hadley, MA. She instituted the first high school course in creativity in Cleveland Heights, OH in 1966.

Charles Clark attended the very first CPS in 1954. He was a pioneer researcher for Alex Osborn’s publications including, Osborn’s classic Applied Imagination. A highly respected CPSI Leader for many years, Charlie carried messages to the corporate world throughout his career in industry. He has written numerous articles on creativity as well as his definitive book Brainstorming. Charlie also brought creative thinking into much of the non-profit world, especially churches and the Boy Scouts.

Dr. Noller is the State University College at Buffalo Distinguished Service Professor Emeritus of Creative Studies. She serves as a Consulting Editor for The Journal of Creative Behavior. Among her numerous articles and books on creativity are Mentoring:An Annotated Bibliography, Mentoring: A Voiced Scarf, Scratching the Surface of Creative Problem Solving, and with Sid Parnes, Guide to Creative Action and Creative Action Book. Also a talented mathematician, Ruth was beloved by her SUCB students.

Alex Osborn founded the Creative Education Foundation (CEF) in February 1954. With Robert Berner, he implemented the first Creative Problem Solving Institute (CPSI) in June 1955. His definitive book Applied Imagination had been published in 1953 and was the basis for the first CPSI.

Mr. Osborn founded the advertising firm of Batten, Barton, Dirstine and Osborn which grew to over 1,000 employees. His particular passion, however, was to somehow influence schools and colleges to teach creative thinking. He became a reputable visual artist in his later years, after having felt that was one thing he had been fearful of trying.

Dr. Parnes is Professor Emeritus and founding Director of the Center for Studies in Creativity at State University College at Buffalo. He attended the first CPSI in 1955. Soon after, he began working with Alex Osborn and since has become a major figure in the field of creativity. His publications are numerous. Of particular note are Sourcebook for Creative Problem Solving, Guide to Creative Action and Creative Action Book (with Ruth Noller), and The Magic of Your Mind. Sid is a lifetime member of the Creative Education Foundation and served as its president for many years. He has been a major influence in promoting creativity and stands with the giants in the field.