The Association for
Gerontology in
Higher Education
Brings You ...

April 8 - 14, 2007
Sponsored by: The Gerontological Society of America and the Association for Gerontology in Higher Education

2007 Participants

2007 Events

Ball State University
Ball State University hosted an open house, inviting interested people to come by and visit with representatives from the Fisher Institute for Wellness and Gerontology. Also available to give advice and provide an opportunity for networking, were a panel of professionals in the aging field. Representatives on the panel included graduates, director of regional area agency on aging, volunteer coordinator for a not for profit, and the director of a unit in a long term care facility.

Boston College
MSW students at the Boston College Graduate School of Social Work shared their final year projects in a school-wide poster session as part of a course entitled "Policy for an Aging Society: Issues and Options" with Professor Mark Sciegaj. Topics included: The Green House initiative: A National Movement to Replace Institutional Care with a More Home-like Atmosphere, The Death with Dignity Act: Implication for social work practice, Enhancing Depression Care for Older Adults, and Older Adult Drivers. These posters will also be presented at the Massachusetts Gerontological Society annual conference in May.

Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging & Longevity
The Brookdale Center for Healthy Aging & Longevity of Hunter College in New York City celebrated Careers in Aging with a free seminar on Elder Law. The program focused on financial exploitation of older adults and tapped into the expertise of Debra Sacks, JD, LPN, a senior staff attorney at the Brookdale Center's Sadin Institute on Law & Public Policy. Debra is actively involved in legislative reform in the areas of Medicare, Adult Protective Services, Elder Abuse, Guardianship, Case Management Liability and Daily Money Management for older adults. She is known throughout the country for her expertise and advocacy surrounding the prevention of elder abuse. More than 30 people attended this interactive seminar and attendees indicated that the information shared would help them provide better services to the older adults with whom they work. Additionally, we were able to reach out to students in Hunter College's School of Social Work and discussed careers in the burgeoning field of gerontology. To build on the success of this Careers in Aging outreach, the Brookdale Center will offer another free program on May 16, a screening of the 2000 documentary "Big Mama" that chronicles a devoted grandmother's struggle to raise her orphaned grandson under the watchful eye of a complex and difficult social welfare system. A discussion will follow about the increasing phenomenon of grandparents raising children and the intergenerational caregiving issues that come into play. Our Careers in Aging outreach culminates June 12 with a Careers in Aging Job Fair. To learn more please contact Deborah.Correnti@hunter.cuny.edu.

Central Connecticut State University
As a part of Careers in Aging Week, Central Connecticut State University's Gerontology Minor Committee invited students, faculty, and staff to attend a Careers in Aging Panel where contributors Richard Benefield, PhD; Aimee Brady, BSW; Michael Heber, MSW, MBA; and Dianne Stone, discussed possible careers in aging as well as their personal experiences working with and for the older adult population.

Cleveland State University
Cleveland State University had three main on-campus activities planned for this year. Along with an Information Fair that was hosted at the University Center, the University Library hosted a unique Careers in Aging Display showcasing seven career tracks that students may enter in this diverse field. Material on career building and gerontology resource material was made available to attendees. The third Careers in Aging Week activity was a free screening of the movie, "Something's Gotta Give." The 2003 movie showcases the dating realities of an older businessman, played by Jack Nicholson, and celebrates strengths of older persons.

College of William and Mary
On Monday, April 9th, in recognition of Careers in Aging Week, a panel discussion of professionals in the field of aging was held at the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, Virginia. Panelists include a geriatrician, community counselor, home companion services provider, and a representative from the palliative care unit of a major health system. In addition, literature from other agencies, such as the local Area Agency on Aging, was made available for students to review. Refreshments were provided and an open dialogue with the panelists provided a good networking opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students. This event was sponsored by the Schroeder Center for Healthcare Policy and the School of Education in collaboration with the Center for Excellence in Aging & Geriatric Health.

Consortium Gerontology Studies Program
Consortium Gerontology Studies Program students from College of the Holy Cross and Clark University held movie and pizza nights to celebrate and promote Careers in Aging Week. Students at both Clark University and College of the Holy Cross invited fellow students and faculty to join them for a viewing of Harold and Maude, pizza and of course, a lively discussion following the movie. Both events were well attended and served as a mechanism to raise the visibility of not only the value of gerontology and related careers in aging but for the gerontology programs on campus.

Eastern Michigan University
The Gerontology Program at Eastern Michigan University (EMU) hosted a series of events during the 6th annual Careers in Aging Week, 8-14, 2007. Activities included a display throughout the week at Halle Library titled "Emerging Career Paths in Gerontology." For their final project, students enrolled in the introductory gerontology course researched and compiled information to produce display boards that provided critical information about emerging career paths. Our Sigma Phi Omega chapter organized a training session for the volunteer activity they co-organize titled "Serving Seniors," and organized a career/resource fair where area organizations came to provide information about jobs and careers in gerontology.

Kapiolani Community College
On April 11, the Hawaii Chapter of SPO co-sponsored Hawaii's first Careers in Aging Fair and Forum at Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu. After months of planning and preparation, 25 vendors participated to promote employment opportunities in a variety of industries. During the event, over 70 students participated in an Aging Quiz and two were successful winners of $25 gift certificates. SPO also sponsored two panel discussions on the theme "Why Study Aging" by 6 professionals from a variety of senior related occupations. While the event was considered a public service at the community college campus, it also generated income for our chapter through the sale of vendor booth spaces. Even after the event was over, SPO was particularly pleased that a staff writer from the college's newspaper wrote three news articles on the importance of gerontology for its next three issues! Based on this first experience, SPO - Hawaii is now contemplating doing this again next year. We were most appreciative of the support from AGHE and the GSA.

Kennesaw State University
On April 10, 2007, a career networking reception was held at the campus Alumni House. The undergraduate Gerontology Club joined with the Gerontology Alumni Alliance (GAA) to host the reception, which was supported by an earlier fundraising activity that included both students and alumni. GAA President Matt Weaver, who credits the 2004 Careers in Aging networking reception for obtaining his current job, provided door prizes from community donors. Participants networked and shared business cards and resumes.

Mansfield University
For the Career in Aging Week this year Mansfield University hosted an awareness campaign. Posters were placed through out the campus about the week and email announcements were sent to all students. Information was also shared with the community and was featured in local newspapers. On April 9th we hosted a guest speaker Joy Swanson Ernst, PhD, MSW, Associate Professor and Director, Social Work Program Hood College Dept. of Sociology and Social Work. Dr. Ernst is a Hartford Faculty Scholar and has been a leader in the Gero infusion program of the NASW curriculum development. She spoke on her research related to aging women and elder abuse. Her presentation is entitled "Confronting Elder Abuse: The Challenges for 21st Century Social Workers." Joy's presentation addresses the need for understanding the older adult in the context of their social influences, especially culture and family. The program was a great success. Information was shared on careers and opportunities in the community to work with older adults as well as information on the Gerontology minor. The interaction of the community and students added to the success of the socialization that occurred before and after the formal presentation. We were able to bring Dr. Ernst to campus through the support of the MU President's Council on the Status of Women and support from the Social Work Club. CEU's were available for social workers.

Michigan State University
Michigan State University-School of Social Work in conjunction with the Practicum Partnership Program-John A. Hartford Foundation Grant and the Honors College were sponsors for a one-day event entitled, "Celebrating Students' Knowledge in the Field of Gerontology" during the Careers in Aging Week 2007. The day began with a poster presentation session, which displayed the calumniation of the work by students enrolled in the SW 491 Special Topics: Social Work Practice in the Field of Gerontology and the 200H Honors Research Seminar. Twenty-one students from freshmen to graduate students shared the findings of their major topic research papers via poster session presentations off-campus at the East Lansing Community Center. The topics shared with professionals, older adults, students and faculty members included: The impact of religion & spirituality on African American and American Indian women 55-70, Aging in place, End-of-life issues, Maltreatment of older adults in the U.S., Korean, and American Indian populations, Loss of life partners, Long term care, Alzheimer's disease, Pharmacology use and misuse, Suicide, Older adult driving issues, and more. Dr. Suzanne Cross, the professor of record for both courses stated, "The goal is not only for the students to conduct research, turn in a major paper for grade, but also to share what they have learned in a professional venue." The poster session was followed by a luncheon with faculty members, professional field placement supervisors, Hartford Consortium, the MSU Hartford Committee and students. There was much excitement in the discussion over lunch at all of the tables in regard to the students' work and its relevance to the profession of gerontology. The day long event closed with a recognition ceremony of the nine Hartford Interns by faculty members, MSU Hartford Committee, field supervisors and family members. Each Hartford Intern briefly shared the importance of their year long experience with their guests. A reception followed for an informal celebration of the accomplishments of the talented MSW students.

Northeastern Illinois University
For the first time, the Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU) M.A. in Gerontology program in conjunction with the gerontology Generativity Club hosted an event called "Aging Careers/Services Fair" in the Student Union. There was a varied representation of nine aging related services organizations (North Shore Senior Center, Little Brothers Friends of the Elderly, Age Options, Chicago Department on Aging, Levy Senior Center; Maine Township Senior Services, Lake County Health Dept, Alzheimer's Association, Mather's Lifeways, Coalition of Limited English Speaking Elderly). The represented aging agencies sat at designated tables, distributed program information, and talked with students/NEIU personnel a two hour time period. The event was a wonderful success, and certainly attracted new students interested in aging-related careers!

Rhode Island College
Rhode Island College Gerontology Center organized a conference on aging and an end of year spring party for graduates. Gerontology alumni were invited to meet with students and discuss careers. Careers in Aging week materials were distributed. The gerontology student club had also organized an essay contest for school children on the theme of "An older person I know."

Saint Cloud State University
In honor of Careers in Aging Week, Saint Cloud State University's Gerontology program co-hosted an Open House on April 11, 2007 with the Beta Zeta Chapter of Sigma Phi Omega (the National Honors and Professional Society in Gerontology) and the SCSU Gerontology Club. Students, faculty and community members were invited to this occasion in order to gain information about academic programs in aging and to connect with others in the field of gerontology. An abundance of food, community sponsored door prizes and a special guest speaker attracted many attendees to the event. Lori Vrolson, Director of the Central Minnesota Council on Aging spoke about current trends and issues for Minnesota's aging population. The event drew in nearly 90 attendees, and gave people an opportunity to learn more about and connect with others in the field of aging.

Saint Joseph College
In celebration of National Careers in Aging Week, Saint Joseph College's departments of Human Development and Gerontology, Nutrition, Business Administration, Psychology and Social Work hosted "Living Longer, Living Well," a lively panel discussion in front of an audience of current students, interested students and members of the community, as well as professionals in the field. Panelists included: Nancy Shaffer, Connecticut's Long Term Care Ombudsman; Denise Talbot, Program Coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association; and William Godburn, who teaches health care management at Saint Joseph College and is currently the Vice President of Revenue Management at Saint Francis Hospital in Hartford, CT. Faculty and staff from Saint Joseph College joined the panelists and discussed opportunities for advanced study and careers in social services, gerontology, and healthcare systems management. In addition, representatives from several organizations, including AARP, the Connecticut Department of Social Services, and Connecticut Community Care, Inc. were available to provide information to interested attendees about careers in gerontology.

San Jose State University
San Jose State University observed CIAW by hosting a panel of three inspiring baby boomers who are reinventing themselves and providing mentorship to graduates in aging fields. Michele Barbic is a psychologist who has started an organization that promotes empowerment among women and recently received her specialization in senior real estate sales/promotion. Millard Hampton was a 1976 Gold/Silver Olympic medal winner who is now a police officer and thinking about his next career move. Valerie Ramsey is a 67 year young wife and mother of 6, grandmother of 7, who has worked at Pebble Beach Resorts and is also embarking on a career in modeling. Students were moved and greatly inspired by their stories and advice.

Simon Fraser University
The Gerontology Graduate Caucus associated with the Gerontology M.A. program in the Department of Gerontology hosted a Gerontology Careers Night and Wine and Cheese. Four featured speakers had completed a Masters degree in Gerontology or Aging and represented diverse aging-related employment opportunities, including built environment and assistive technology research, counseling psychology, and long-term care facility design and administration. All of the presenters shared their personal experiences, and offered insights to Gerontology Minor, Post-Baccalaureate Diploma and M.A. students and other students considering pursuing careers in aging. Attendees then mingled with local professionals working in aging-related fields such as hospice, independent living, geriatrics, health promotion, dementia care, education, nursing, law, and advocacy. This event was an excellent chance for students to make contacts and learn about employment and internship opportunities.

University of Nebraska - Lincoln and Omaha Campuses
Careers in Aging week, celebrated on the campuses of the University of Nebraska Omaha (UNO) and Lincoln (UNL), offered students and faculty alike, the opportunity to highlight the potential of working with older adults in the field and as part of their research agenda. Events on the Omaha campus included a "Meet and Greet" display table with games and prizes on Tuesday and the first ever Careers in Aging Fair on Thursday at UNO. The Fair displayed more than 20 research and creative projects from a variety of disciplines and departments on topics ranging from biomechanics to legal economics. Additionally, the department Chair was featured during a local news program to discuss the impending need of workers in the field of aging. Events on the Lincoln campus featured an interdisciplinary gerontology colloquium highlighting the effects of age stereotypes on intergenerational communication. The colloquium was well attended by students and faculty and was covered by the Daily Nebraskan,the UNL student newspaper. A panel was also convened earlier in the week consisting of aging professionals who shared the benefits of working with older adults at the local, state and national level to students in two Introduction to Gerontology courses.

University of North Carolina - Greensboro
This year, the Southern Gerontological Society's Annual Conference was in Greensboro, NC, concurrent with Careers in Aging Week. The UNCG Gerontology Program used the SGS conference to encourage networking and career opportunities to highlight "Careers in Aging." Specifically, students' organized a Careers in Aging Networking Luncheon Roundtable where students from the Southeast Region explored career opportunities. Students at the conference had the opportunity to attend the following SGS sessions organized and created to observe Careers in Aging Week: a symposium titled "You're Worth More Than You Know & You Know More Than You Think" organized by Dr. Dana Bradley, Western Kentucky University; a focused workshop titled "Marketing Yourself is Good Business" organized by Dr. Janice Wassel; and a poster session titled "Internship, Experience, and Community Partners: Professional Development in the Graduate Students' Educational Journey" organized by Dr. Wassel and Sandra Crawford-Leak. Each of these sessions mixed professionals, practitioners, and students exploring various aspects of career options and skills necessary to be successful in today's competitive environment.

Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
We celebrated Careers in Aging at Virginia Tech with both on-campus and with community partners. Brochures about careers in aging were distributed to undergraduate students in human services professional courses. A luncheon was held on campus to honor students completing the requirements for the Graduate Certificate in Gerontology as well as those receiving scholarships from the Center for Gerontology. The keynote speaker was Dr. Glen H. Elder, Jr. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who spoke on "A Cataclysm of Change: The World War II Years." During his informal remarks, Dr. Elder encouraged students to pursue longitudinal study of human development and aging in context. Brochures and membership forms for GSA were available. In addition, Dr. Rosemary Blieszner gave two addresses. One was to the Psi Chi Psychology Honor Society new initiates and members where she described her research and encouraged the undergraduate students to pursue gerontology study and careers in aging. The other was an outreach presentation at Warm Hearth Retirement Village to both residents and gerontology professionals about her research on mild cognitive impairment.

West Virginia University (Delta Kappa Chapter)
Our main event for the semester was our 6th annual event in celebration of Careers in Aging Week. This year, we organized the "WVU Aging Roundtable & Networking Night." We had four speakers who each hosted his or her own "theme table" where students could ask questions and learn more about each host's career. Further, we offered four wine and hors d' oeuvres pairings prepared by a professionally trained chef. The purpose of the event was to facilitate professional development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and increased networking for graduate and undergraduate students who are interested in pursuing careers in the broad field of aging. Approximately 30 students, representing a variety of disciplines, attended the event. Many attendees commented that they really enjoyed the format of the event. We would like to thank the sponsors who made the event possible, including the WVU Department of Psychology, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, and WVU Student Organizations Services. Further, the event could not have been as successful were it not for the assistance of many of our Chapter's officers and members, as well as our faculty advisors, R. Turner Goins, PhD. and Amy Fiske, PhD.

Winston-Salem State University
Careers in Aging Week at Winston-Salem State University was observed with a variety of events sponsored by the Gerontology Program and Epsilon Alpha Chapter of Sigma Phi Omega, in partnership with the Mayor's Roundtable, AARP and the Forsyth County Aging Services Planning Committee. Students and faculty participated in the Mayors' Physical Fitness Days at two locations, Salemtowne Retirement Community and Winston-Salem State University. Older adults were assessed on physical functioning to project their level of independence in the later years. Students and faculty served as greeters and activity assistants. During the Spring Open House at Winston-Salem State University, students managed a "Careers in Aging" display and participated in a panel discussion to reflect on experiences working with older adults. Students and faculty participated in a presentation on Latina aging issues and engaged in dialogue regarding the changing demographics of the "faces" of aging individuals and the diversity of career paths. Faculty attended and participated in Careers in Aging Week activities at the 28th Annual Meeting of the Southern Gerontological Society, and presented a paper entitled "Educating the Next Generation of Gerontologists."