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DEPARTMENT OF GERONTOLOGY

“Education for the 21st Century” ™

Inside This Issue:

Open Letter

December 2011

Certificate/Honors Ceremony

Students

In the News New Staff

Sigma Phi Omega

Summer /Fall 2012

Courses

Education for the 21st

Century

From the Advisor/

Coordinator

Mark your Calendar

Spring 2012 Colloquium

As educators in gerontology, we are fortunate to have greater resources than ever

to use in the classroom, not the least of which are aging narrative. The value of

“lived experience” is vital, whether it is the model of “successful aging” that has

become a staple of the mass media, or the somewhat less visible portrait of age

and disability that is also a valuable part of the human experience (Holstein & Min-

kler, 2003). Donald Hall, the recent national poet laureate, provides a memorable

example of the latter; a scholar learning to come to terms not with his own limita-

tions as much as the limited perspective of others. Hall (2012) writes:

When kindness to the old is condescending, it is aware of itself as a benig- nity while it asserts its power. Sometimes, the reaction to antiquity be comes farce. I go to Washington to receive the National Medal of Arts, and arrive two days early to look at paintings. At the National Gallery of Art, Linda pushes me in a wheelchair from painting to painting. We stop by a Henry Moore carving. A museum guard, a man in his sixties with a small pepper-and-salt mustache, approaches us and helpfully tells us the name of the sculptor. I wrote a book about Moore, and knew him well. Linda and I separately think of mentioning my connection but instantly suppress the notion- egotistic, and maybe embarrassing to the guard. A couple of hours later, we emerge from the cafeteria and see the same man, who asks Linda if she enjoyed her lunch. Then he bends over to address me, wags his finger, smiles a grotesque smile, and raises his voice to ask, “Did we have a nice din-din?” We use stories of aging fre- quently in our classes to illustrate a larger point, to personalize a uni- versal experience, to provide a tangible example. For students in our classes who are pursuing a career in health care, this approach is already familiar, in geriatrics and gerontological nursing, the “case study ap- proach” will continue to inform their training (Clark, 2002). However, the benefits of the aging narrative are not limited to those students who may one day put these principles Into practice. For everyone who is Interested in aging, the stories that older adults themselves have to tell us provide our best insight into the aging experience; that Is, if we are willing to listen.

Submitted by Dr. Chris Kelly, Assistant Professor

Dept. of Gerontology—UNL Campus

References

Clark, Phillip G. (2002). “Values and Voices in Teaching Gerontology and Geriatrics: Case Studies as

Stories”. The Gerontologist, 42 (3): 297-303.

Hall, Donald (2012). “Out the Window: Views on Growing Old”. The New Yorker, January 23, 2012: 40

-43.Holstein, Martha B., & Minkler, Meredith (2003). “Self, Society, and the ‘New Gerontology’”. The

Gerontologist, 43 (6): 787-796.

Spring 2012 Volume 6 Issue 2

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“Education for the 21st Century” ™

December 2011

Gerontology Certificate/Honors Ceremony

Bede Bolin—Graduate UNL

Beth Haley—Undergraduate UNO

Amanda Norton—Undergraduate UNO

Mindy Rix—Undergraduate UNO

Jameelah Russ—Undergraduate UNO

Dawn Umble—Undergraduate UNO

Samantha VanArsdel Undergraduate UNO

Left to Right: Jameela Russ, Dr. Lyn Holley, Dr. Julie Masters, Sam VanArsdel, Dawn Umble and Dr. Priscilla

Quinn.

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Laura Bando’s desire for working with the elderly stems from her

paternal grandparents. She describes Grandma and Grandpa Ban-do as very loving and supporting individuals. Unfortunately,

Laura’s grandfather died from Dementia back in 2009 and Laura recalls the daily struggles that her grandmother endured caring for

him. Laura said that her grandmother visited her grandfather at the nursing home everyday in hopes that he would remember her.

It was this experience that intensified Laura’s desire to work with the elderly. Ever since Laura graduated from Peru State in 1998 with a B.S. in Psychology and Sociology, she

has been working in social services. In that time, she has worked for five years in a long-term care as a social services supervisor and now she is pursuing a Master’s in Social

Work and a graduate Certificate in Gerontology. Laura feels that her combination of ger-

ontology and social work will open up many career opportunities within the field of social work – allowing Laura to work with the elderly including medical and hospice social

work. Laura said, “The issues that elderly face will only continue in the future and ade-quate professionals in this field are vital… I believe by obtaining my Gerontology Certifi-

cate, I will better meet the needs of the elderly community.”

Jordan Valla, a Pre-Med and Psychology major at UNL, and is

pursuing an undergraduate certificate in gerontology because he knows that it will benefit his future career as a physician. Jordan

said, “I believe it’s very important for doctors to understand the study of aging, which gerontology focuses on.” He also feels that

by studying gerontology, it will give him the ability to relate to all ages. He said that because each individual age group is so differ-

ent, understanding them at a psychological level is highly important, especially in the

medical field. Throughout his studies, Jordan has gained a better understanding of the programs and services for the aging. One service in particular that has had an impact on

Jordan is hospice. It is because of hospice that he has learned the importance of the physician in the hospice setting. He said, “It is my duty [as a physician] to provide sup-

port for families and listen to their needs during this difficult time. Having this back-ground in gerontology will help me become a better and more passionate physician.”

MEET OUR STUDENTS

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“Education for the 21st Century”™

Dr. Christopher M. Kelly received tenure and was promoted

to Associate Professor for Fall 2012.

CONGRATULATIONS!

BIG RED ROAD SHOW– March 4 Century Link Center

The Gerontology department was present at this year’s UNL Big Red Road Show at Century Link Center. We were privi-

leged to have the College of Law and Interior Design as our

neighboring booths. Dr. Julie Masters, Dr. Priscilla Quinn and Graduate student Lakelyn Hogan attended and a good

time was had by all!

Adilie Mahlangeni-Byndon, a Neuroscience ma-

jor and Gerontology minor student was granted an

award through the Fund for Undergraduate Schol-

arly Experience (FUSE) for his proposal Improving

the Likelihood of Effective Nutritional Intake

among Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities.

The final research project will be completed in Oc-

tober, 2012. Dr. Priscilla Quinn will be working

with Andilie as his mentor on this project.

Congratulations Andile!

Lakelyn Hogan

Dr. Chris Kelly

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“Education for the 21st Century” ™

MEET OUR STAFF ASSISTANT

Stephanie Jensen has been working at the University of Nebraska at

Omaha for about 10 years.

In addition to her work at UNO, Stephanie and her dog, Lucy, are a

certified Therapy Dog Team. She is happy to be the newest member

of the Gerontology department, and is looking forward to assisting

students and faculty. She is located in CB 211, and can be reached at

402-554-2272, sjensen@unomaha.edu

“Welcome, Stephanie”

OUR STUDENT WORKER

Kyle Nelson is working with us again

this spring semester. Kyle is a senior

majoring in Construction Management

with a minor in Business. In addition

to his job in the gerontology depart-

ment, Kyle is also a student worker in

the Engineering department.

“Welcome back Kyle!”

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“Education for the 21st Century” ™

Sigma Phi Omega, Upsilon NU The National Academic Honor and

Professional Society in Gerontology

Sigma Phi Omega welcomed two new members in January 2012. Marilynn

Klinkacek, Vice President of Administration, and Tara Tipton, Vice President of Sig-

ma Phi Omega, are both students at UNO studying Gerontology. They have recently

been focusing on “UNO Athletes and Elders; a Community of Interest Program.”

In December 2011, the Women’s Basketball team was the first of the UNO athletic

teams to visit their designated community, Brookestone Village. Since then, other ath-

letic teams such as Men’s Baseball and Women’s Softball have had very successful vis-

its as well.

On February 23rd, 2012, Sigma Phi Omega participated in the UNO volunteer fair held

in the Milo Bail Student Center. Sigma Phi recruited students looking for service oppor-

tunities. Volunteer projects such as “El Dia Del Nino” at El Museo Latino and Athletes

and Elders were available. Sigma Phi also offered information about learning opportu-

nities in the Gerontology Department such as a Minor or Certificate in Gerontology.

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Dual Degree/Certificate Program

in Gerontology and Law

The department of Gerontology at the University of Nebraska Omaha and

the College of Law at the University of Nebraska Lincoln are partnering to

meet the needs of future aging adults and their families by offering a dual

degree/certificate program.

Beginning in Fall 2012, students interested in the fields of Law and Geron-

tology will have the option to pursue one of three joint

programs:

Master of Arts in Social Gerontology/Juris Doctor (J.D.)

Master of Arts in Social Gerontology/Master of Legal Studies

Graduate Certificate in Gerontology/J.D.

Students enrolled in this dual degree program will have an opportunity to

be placed in practicum settings focused on elder law issues.

Applications for admission are now being accepted, and students will apply to the UNO and UNL programs separately. For more information on the admissions process or the program, please

contact Dr. Julie Masters, Chair, Department of Gerontology, at jmas-

ters@unomaha.edu or Beki Colberg, Admissions Assistant at the Universi-

ty of Nebraska College of Law, at rcolberg1@unl.edu.

For more information about offerings through the Gerontology Department, please call

402-554-2272 in Omaha, 402-472-0754 in Lincoln or visit our website at

http://www.unomaha.edu/gero/

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COURSES IN AGING FOR SUMMER 2012

6690

GERO 2000-850 Introduction to Gerontology

(UNO: first six week session)

M/T/W/R 9:20 -11:00 a.m. Paul Falkowski

6691 GERO 2000-850 Introduction to Gerontology (UNO)

X

internet mediated Dr. Amy Hanson

7336 GERO 3070-101 Death and Dying

(UNO: first six week

session)

W 5:00 -8:55 p.m. Shandalee Ramet

6692

6696

GERO 4550-101

GERO 8556-101

Health Aspects of Aging

(UNO: first six week

session)

M//W 5:30 -9:15 p.m. Marjorie Chandler

6693

6697

GERO 4720-850

GERO 8726-850

Baby Boomers & the 21st Century (UNO: offered through the Division of Con-tinuing Studies )

X internet mediated Karen Shaffer

**** GERO 475-700/900

GERO 875-700/900

Mid-life, Career Change, and Pre-Retirement (UNL: eight week session)

X internet mediated Dr. Stan DeViney

6695

6700

GERO 4940-501

GERO 8940-501

Practicum

(UNO: please see summer schedule for listings)

TBA TBA Dr. Priscilla Quinn

AS THE BABY BOOMERS RETIRE, FIND OUT WHY GERONTOLOGY IS BECOMING

MORE IMPORTANT IN ALL CAREERS

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New Courses/Instructors for 2012-2013

GERO 4350/8356 – Issues in Aging - Management Administration of Aging Programs

An internet course for those wanting to gain skills in the management of aging programs. Ann

O’Connor, MPH is the instructor for the course and offers real life management experiences

when teaching this course.

GERO 4460 – Psychology of Adult Development and Aging

Kristy Carlson, MS, will be teaching Psychology of Adult Development and Aging on the Omaha and

Lincoln campuses in the fall. Kristy is working on her doctoral specialization in gerontology with

our department.

GERO 4850/8856 – Hospice and Other Services.

Gary George RN, M Div., MHA, will be teaching the hospice course this fall. His extensive back-

ground in providing end of life care will be of benefit to those taking the hospice course in Oma-

ha in the fall.

GERO 4980/8940 – Counseling Skills in Gerontology

Ideal course for students wanting to learn counseling techniques with older adults. Rebecca Reilly is

a licensed mental health professional who will be completing her PhD in Counseling Psychology

from the University of Iowa this summer. She has extensive experience in providing therapy to

older adults.

GERO 8356 -002 – Issues in Aging – Program Evaluation (NEW for 2012)

A graduate only course designed for students who will be responsible for evaluating the effective-

ness of aging programs. Dr. Karl Kosloski will be teaching this seminar in the fall.

Other Graduate Only Courses for the Fall 2012 Semester

GERO 9010 – Applied Social Gerontology (a required course for graduate certificate students and MA

students).

GERO 8356-001 – Structural Equation Modeling

GERO 9020 – 001 – Graduate Seminar in Statistical Applications

GERO 8730-001 – Dying, Death and Grieving

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“Education for the 21st Century” ™

Minor in Gerontology The minor in gerontology is for students who may not work directly with older

adults but are interested in preparing themselves for the upcoming demographic

shift in the US and worldwide. The minor consists of six courses in gerontology.

Students are required to take three courses in gerontology (Introduction to Geron-

tology, Programs and Services, and Psychology of Adult Development and Aging),

The other three courses are selected by the student. Application for the minor is

made through a student’s major department/college (e.g., Arts and Sciences). The

minor is available at UNO and in select colleges on the UN-L campus.

Certificate in Gerontology The certificate is like a minor but is designed for students wanting direct experi-

ence working with the older population. Students pursuing the certificate are from

such disciplines as recreational therapy, social work, physical/occupational therapy

and nursing. The certificate is comprised of five courses in gerontology plus a

practicum in an aging setting. Students must apply directly to the department of

Gerontology for the certificate. Graduate students pursuing a graduate certificate

are required to apply to both the department and UNO graduate studies. Graduate

students are also required to complete GERO 9110 - Applied Social Gerontology.

An application is available at http:www.unomaha.edu/gero/documents/

certificate_application.pdf Students at UNO, UNL and UNMC can pursue the certifi-

cate at either the undergraduate or graduate level.

Masters of Arts in Social Gerontology

(Thesis & Non-Thesis Options) The Masters of Arts (M.A.) in Social Gerontology is designed to help meet the edu-

cational needs of two principal groups: those seeking to develop research skills by

following the thesis track and those wanting to gain a more sophisticated knowledge

about aging through graduate course work and direct practice through the non-

thesis option. The thesis option is designed for mid-career professionals who wish to

gain additional knowledge and insight from the research in the field of gerontology,

to interpret the research critically, and who may wish to be prepared to conduct re-

search on their own. The non-thesis track provides those practitioners working with

older adults and those wishing to work with elders in some capacity the necessary

educational support to be able to understand normal and abnormal age related

changes. The training will also allow students to design, implement and evaluate

programming for elders and their families. Please contact the department for an

application, or to learn more about the dual degree/certificate in gerontology and

law.

Doctoral Specialization in Gerontology The doctoral specialization in gerontology is offered by Family and Consumer Sci-

ences of the College of Education and Human Sciences at UN-L and the Department

of Gerontology at UNO, in conjunction with the Graduate College of the University of

Nebraska. Students work with faculty on both the Omaha and Lincoln campuses.

For more information, please contact the department.

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“Education for the 21st Century” ™

From the Advisor/Coordinator’s Desk

Priscilla M. Quinn, PhD

Greetings everyone!

I hope the semester is going well for all of you.

I want to extend a warm “welcome” to all our new students—we are delighted to have you in

our program.

As a reminder, please make sure your email, address, phone, etc., information is current.

Periodically I receive information regarding career opportunities in the aging field and I want

to be able to pass those options on to all of you.

Are you pursuing a graduate certificate in gerontology? Graduate students must apply to the

office of graduate studies. This can be done online at: http://gero.unomaha.edu

If you are planning on graduating in May 2012 please contact me so we can discuss the next

steps. While there is no formal procedure, it is useful for us to review your file to ensure you

have fulfilled all of the requirements for the program.

Please note— practicum experiences must be scheduled at least two months in advance. If

you are wanting to complete a practicum during summer or fall 2012, please contact me to

schedule an appointment to discuss requirements.

Considering graduate school? The department of gerontology has a Thesis and Non-Thesis

option for our Master of Arts in Social Gerontology— check it out!

As always, don’t hesitate to call, email or stop by my office, I enjoy visiting with all of you.

Priscilla

Office : 402-554-2114 or pquinn@unomaha.edu

Most people say that as you get old you have to give up things. I think you

get old because you do give up things. - Senator Ted Green

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Mark Your Calendars

Careers in Aging Week: April 1 –7 , 2012—details of activities TBA.

Certificate/Honors Ceremony: May 2, 2012, 11:30 a.m. CPACS Room 208.

Formal Invitations will be mailed to all students graduating and/or completing the

certificate.

Preparing Yourself for Life After University: a two-part program on entrepre-

neurship and self-development featuring Paul and Lori Hogan, Co-Founders, Home Instead Senior Care.

September 7, 2012: Paul Hogan, Co-founder and CEO, Home Instead Senior Care September 19, 2012: Lori Hogan, Co-founder, Home Instead Senior Care

This is a must for anyone wanting to achieve success beyond the classroom. Please look for announcements about the program in the next few months.

Aging with Passion & Purpose 2013 Conference: October 20 & 21

Focus on Technology and Aging

Education for the 21st Century” ™

Gerontology / Information Science and Technology

Spring 2012 Colloquium

“Aging Research and Practice in the 21st Century:

Crossing Disciplinary Lines”

Karen A. Roberto, PhD , Virginia Tech

Professor and Director, Center for Gerontology

Director, Institute for Society, Culture and Environment

March 28, 2012 10:00a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

College of Public Affairs and Community Service (CPACS) Collaborating

Commons 132 & 132

The Spring Colloquium is sponsored by the generosity of Blue Cross and blue Shield of Nebraska