AGHE Awards
Article Index
Please choose an award name to view specific details and requirements.
Clark Tibbitts (1903 - 1985)
Clark Tibbitts was an architect of the field of gerontological education - an academic who spent most of his career in the federal government as an advocate for the development of aging education, training, and research programs in institutions of higher education. Tibbitts was the director of the Institute for Human Adjustment at the University of Michigan for 12 years before moving to Washington, D.C., in 1949 to serve as an specialist in aging with the agency that preceded the U.S. Departments of Health, Education, and Welfare, and Health and Human Services. He retired in 1983 as the special assistant to the U.S. Commissioner on Aging after 35 years of government service.
During those three decades, his contributions and accomplishments were many, including the following: he directed the 1950 National Conference on Aging and helped develop the 1961 White House Conference on Aging; chaired the HEW Committee on Aging and Geriatrics in the early 1950s; founded the Administration on Aging (AoA); and founded and directed AoA's Education and Training Program and its National Clearinghouse on Aging.
He played a major role in planning, organizing, and convening many international conferences on aging from the 1950's through the 1980's. He authored more than 100 publications; the most notable, undoubtedly, was the Handbook of Social Gerontology: Societal Aspects of Aging, which for a decade was the principal textbook on aging.
Clark Tibbitts died in October 1985 at age 82, leaving a legacy of accomplishments in academic institutions throughout the world. Through a combination of personal friendships and professional expertise, he fostered a federal commitment to the improvement of the lives of older persons through the development and growth of hundreds of academic gerontology programs.
The Clark Tibbitts Award
The AGHE award was established in 1980 to recognize those individuals that have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of gerontology as a field of study in institutions of higher education. In 1985, AGHE's Executive Committee renamed the AGHE award the Clark Tibbitts Award to recognize the major role that Tibbitts played in establishing and nurturing the field of gerontological education.
In addition, Tibbitts was key in establishing the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education. Tibbitts and colleague Wilma Donahue (University of Michigan) were the first recipients of the AGHE award in 1981.
Purpose of the Award
This award, named for an architect of the field of gerontological education, is given by AGHE each year to an individual that has made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of gerontology and/or geriatrics education.
The awardee receives an engraved plaque and delivers a lecture at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Submission Period
Spring 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees must have made a national impact on gerontology and/or geriatrics education, have had significant involvement in gerontology and/or geriatrics education, and have advanced the goals and mission of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.
- Affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters.
- A current Curriculum Vitae
Nature of the Award
The awardee receives an engraved plaque and delivers a lecture at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Laura K.M. Donorfio | The University of Connecticut
2021 Karthryn Hyer | University of South Florida
2020 Jan Abushakrah | Portland Community College
2019 David C. Burdick | Stockton University
2018 Marilyn R. Gugliucci | University of New England
2017 JoAnn Damron-Rodriguez | University of California, Los Angeles
2016 Case Western Reserve University
2015 Suzanne R. Kunkel | Miami University
2014 Harry "Rick" Moody | AARP
2013 Marie A. Bernard | National Institute on Aging/National Institute of Health
2012 John A. Krout | Ithaca College
2011 Edward F. Ansello | Virginia Commonwealth University
2010 Frank J. Whittington | George Mason University
2009 Larry Polivka | University of South Florida
2008 Leonard W. Poon | University of Georgia
2007 Robert Binstock | Case Western Reserve University
2006 William J. McAuley | George Mason University
2005 Sally Newman | University of Pittsburgh
2004 Jon Hendricks | Oregon State University
2003 Phoebe Liebig | University of Southern California
2002 Stephen Cutler | University of Vermont
2001 Bernice Parlak | Health Resources and Services Administration
2000 Carroll Estes | University of California, San Francisco
1999 Armin Grams | University of Vermont
1998 James H. Schulz | Brandeis University
1997 Scott A. Bass | University of Maryland, Baltimore County
1996 Tom Hickey | University of Michigan
1995 E. Percil Stanford | San Diego State University
1994 Harvey L. Sterns | The University of Akron
1993 David A. Peterson | University of Southern California
1992 Joseph Britton | The Pennsylvania State University
1991 Harold Johnson | University of Michigan
1990 Midwest Council for Social Research in Aging
1989 Wayne Vasey | University of South Florida
1988 Dorothy Coons | University of Michigan
1987 George Maddox | Duke University
1986 *Walter Beattie | Syracuse University
1985 Mildred Seltzer | Miami University
1984 Hiram Friedsam | University of North Texas
1983 James Birren | University of Southern California
1982 Robert Havighurst | University of Chicago
1981 Clark Tibbitts | Administration on Aging & Wilma Donahue | University of Michigan
* renamed to Clark Tibitts Award
Hiram J. Friedsam Mentorship Award
Purpose of the Award
Hiram J. Friedsam was a professor, co-founder, and director of the Center for Studies in Aging and Dean of the School of Community Service at the University of North Texas. The University of North Texas established the first gerontology program in the state of Texas and one of the first in the nation. He was an outstanding teacher, researcher, colleague, and mentor to students, faculty, and administrators, and a past-president of AGHE. The purpose of this award is to recognize those who emulate Dr. Friedsam's excellence in mentorship.
The awardee receives an engraved plaque, $500 cash award (dependent upon funding), and delivers a lecture on mentoring at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Submission Period
Spring 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees must have contributed to gerontological and/or geriatrics education through excellence in mentorship to students, faculty, or administrators and have advanced the goals and mission of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education.
- Affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters.
- A current Curriculum Vitae
Nature of the Award
The awardee receives $500, an engraved plaque, and delivers a lecture at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Rona J. Karasik | St. Cloud University
2021 Pamela Elfenbein | University of North Georgia
2020 Karen Kopera-Frye | New Mexico State University
2019 Bradley Fisher | Missouri State University
2018 Phillip G. Clark | University of Rhode Island
2017 Kelvin J. A. Davies | University of Southern California
2016 Jan Abushakrah | Portland Community College
2015 Jennifer C. Mendez | Wayne State University
2014 Nina M. Silverstein | University of Massachusetts Boston
2013 Lesa Lorenzen Huber | Indiana University
2012 Marilyn R. Gugliucci | University of New England
2011 Dena Shenk | University of North Carolina Charlotte
2010 David A. Chiriboga | University of South Florida
2009 Suzanne R. Kunkel | Miami University
Mildred M. Seltzer Distinguished Service Honor
Purpose of the Honor
The Mildred M. Seltzer Distinguished Service Honor is presented annually by AGHE to honor colleagues who are near retirement or recently retired.
Recipient(s) receive a framed certificate at the AGHE Breakfast at the GSA Annual Meeting.
This is an honor rather than a competitive award. Those nominated are not required to attend the GSA Annual Meeting.
Submission Period
Summer 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Recipients are individuals who have been actively involved in AGHE through service on committees, as elected officers, or have provided leadership in one of AGHE's grant-funded projects.
- Affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A current Curriculum Vitae with AGHE related activities highlighted.
Past Recipients
2022
Margaret A. Perkinson | Journal of Cross-Cultural Gerontology
2021
Jan Abushakrah | Portland Community College
Jennifer Mendez | Wayne State University
Harvey L. Sterns | Unversity of Akron
2020
Douglas Reed | University of Central Oklahoma
2019
Margaret Neal | Portland State University
Donna Wagner | New Mexico State University
2018
Sandra L. McGuire | University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Harvey L. Sterns | The University of Akron
Edwin Rosenberg | Appalachian State University
Graham D. Rowles | University of Kentucky
2017
Bradley J. Fisher | Missouri State University
Beryl D. Goldman | Kendal Outreach, LLC
Jim P. Mitchell | East Carolina University
Maureen E. Power | Worcester State College
Kathy A. Segrist | Ball State University
Sue Ward | American River College
2016
Barbara Gillogly | American River College
Lynne Hodgson | Quinnipiac University
Bob G. Knight | University of Southern California
Leslie A. Morgan | University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Sheldon "Shelly" Steinhauser | Metropolitan State University of Denver
2015
Dena Shenk | University of North Carolina Charlotte
Eleanor Krassen Covan | University of North Caroline Wilmington
2014
Harry "Rick" Moody | AARP
Sally M. Newman | University of Pittsburgh
2013
Alton C. Dubois | Concordia University Chicago
2012
William J. McAuley | George Mason University
Leonard W. Poon | University of Georgia
Paul A. Roodin | SUNY Oswego
2011
Betty D. Dodson | University of Nevada, Reno
Lisa Groger | Miami University
John A. Krout | Ithaca College
Betsy M. Sprouse | AARP
2010
C. Joanne Grabinski | Eastern Michigan University
Mary Alice Wolf | Saint Joseph College
2009
Stephen J. Cutler | University of Vermont
Althea Taylor-Jones | Winston-Salem State University
2008
John A. Belzer | University of Oklahoma
Elizabeth B. Douglass | University of Maryland Baltimore County
Iris A. Parham | Virginia Commonwealth University
Novella Perrin | University of Central Missouri
Charles Schmidtke | Canisius College
Anthony Traxler | Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville
2007
May Futrell | University of Massachusetts
Phoebe S. Liebig | University of Southern California
Joan Wood | University of California, San Francisco
2006
Robert N. Gandee | Slippery Rock University
Gloria Heinemann | University at Buffalo, SUNY
William Lane | SUNY Cortland
Edward E. Morgan, Jr. | Bowling Green State University
David L. Treybig | Baldwin-Wallace College
Derrel R. Watkins | Saint Paul School of Theology
2005
Sara Aleman | Northern Arizona University
Steven Applewhite | University of Houston
William E. Arnold | Arizona State University
Susan J. Eklund | Indiana University
Nancy Gabrielsen | Slippery Rock University
Jo Ann Luckie | Del Mar College
Gwen Yeo | Stanford University
Distinguished Faculty Award
Purpose of the Award
The Distinguished Faculty Award recognizes persons whose teaching stands out as exemplary, innovative, of impact, or any combination thereof. The Distinguished Faculty Awardee will provide a lecture at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Submission Period
Spring 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time faculty members at an AGHE affiliated institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section
- Minimum of five years of teaching experience
- Those nominated must be willing and able to attend the GSA Annual Meeting and present a lecture during the meeting.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters.
- A current Curriculum Vitae
Nature of the Award
The recipient of the award receives a framed certificates and delivers a lecture at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Christine A. Fruhauf | Colorado State University
2021 Not Awarded
2020 Mary Carter | Towson University
2019 Gayle Doll | Kansas State University
2018 Phyllis A. Greenberg | St. Cloud State University
2017 Judith A. Sugar | University of Nevada, Reno
2016 Elizabeth M. Zelinski | University of Southern California
2015 Graham D. Rowles | University of Kentucky
2014 Cynthia Hancock | University of North Carolina Charlotte
2012 Leslie A. Morgan | University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Jennifer R. Sasser | Maryhurst University
2011 Eleanor Covan | University of North Carolina Wilmington and Mary B. Ligon | York College of Pennsylvania
2010 Karen A. Hooker | Oregon State University and Rona J. Karasik | Saint Cloud State University
2009 Laura K. Donorfio | University of Connecticut and Karen F. Kopera-Frye | University of Nevada, Reno
2008 Dana Burr Bradley | Western Kentucky University and E. Ayn Welleford | Virginia Commonwealth University
2007 Robert M. Beland | University of Florida and Darlene Yee-Melichar | San Francisco State University
Rising Star Early Career Faculty Award
Purpose of the Award
The AGHE Rising Star Early Career Faculty Award recognizes new faculty whose teaching and/or leadership stands out as impactful and innovative. The AGHE Rising Star Early Career Faculty Awardee will provide a lecture at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Note: Those nominated must be willing and able to attend the GSA Annual Meeting and present a lecture during the meeting.
Submission Period
Spring 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Full-time faculty members at an AGHE affiliated institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section
- Maximum of five years (at the nomination submission due date) post degree-award teaching experience
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters that should include the following:
- the purpose and qualifications of the AGHE Rising Star Early Career Faculty Nominee
- emphasize teaching and/or leadership, rather than research, professional activity, or public service (unless those activities bear directly on teaching excellence)
- A current Curriculum Vitae
Nature of the Award
The recipient receives a framed certificate and delivers a lecture at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 M. Aaron Guest | Arizona State University
2021 Candace S. Brown | University of North Carolina, Charlotte
2020 Laurinda Reynolds | American River College
2019 Katarina Felsted | University of Utah
2018 Eric C. Schoenmakers | Fontys University of Applied Sciences
2017 Özgür Arun | Akdeniz University
2016 Pamela Pitman Brown | Winston-Salem State University
2015 Tina M. Kruger | Indiana State University
Part-Time/Adjunct Faculty Honor
Purpose of the Honor
Nationwide, reliance on part-time and/or adjunct faculty to teach gerontology and/or geriatrics courses is very high. Without the efforts and dedication of these individuals, often at extremely low compensation, gerontology and geriatrics programs might not be able to deliver a full curriculum. Accordingly, AGHE invites you to nominate one of these individuals so that he/she might be formally honored for contributions to gerontology and/or geriatrics education at your institution.
Recipient(s) receive a personalized certificate at the AGHE Breakfast at the GSA Annual Meeting.
This is an honor rather than a competitive award. Those nominated are not required to attend the GSA Annual Meeting.
Submission Period
Summer 2024
Eligibility Criteria
Each member institution may nominate one part-time/adjunct faculty member per year.
- Nominees should demonstrate high quality teaching as documented by peer and/or student evaluations.
- Nominees should also demonstrate a long-term commitment (at least five years) to gerontology and/or geriatrics education both in the classroom and beyond.
- Full-time faculty are not eligible to receive this award even if their gerontology and/or geriatrics assignments are part-time.
- Affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
This is a honor rather than a competitive award. Those nominated are not required to attend the GSA Annual Meeting or be active members of AGHE.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters that should include the following:
- Courses taught by nominee
- How long the nominee has taught at your institution
- Any other forms of service to the department/program (excluding teaching)
- What makes this person deserving of this honor?
- A current Curriculum Vitae or Resume with information relevant to the award highlighted.
Nature of the Award
The recipient receives a framed certificate and is recognized during the AGHE Business Meeting at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Joe DeMattos | University of Maryland Baltimore County; Josh Johnson | University of Southern California
2021 Karon L. Phillips | Trust for America's Health, University of Maryland Baltimore County, University of Maryland Global Campus
2021 Katie Kutcher | University of North Carolina, Charlotte
2020 Mary Frances DeRose | University of Massachusetts Boston
2019 Vincent Bisson | Lasell College, Georgene R. Nitzsche | Univeristy of Indianapolis
2018 Roger Anunsen | Portland Community College and Amanda P. Weber | Towson University
2017 Robert S. Anderson Jr. | University of New England, Lisa A. Kendall | Ithaca College and Robin Sherman | University of Massachusetts Boston
2016 Gregory D. Bearce | University of Southern California
2014 Victoria S. Thieme | University of New England, Judith Griffin | University of Massachusetts Boston and Barbara Hughes Leasure | Carroll Lutheran Village
2013 David Oliver | University of Missouri-Columbia
2012 Reeve Lipworth Goldhaber | Boston University and Louise M. Murray | University of North Carolina Charlotte
2011 Charlotte Paolini | University of New England
2009 Darlene Heian | Utica College
2008 Christa Caldarale-Ahern | The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey and Catherine Ivy | Georgia State University
2007 Anne Summer | University of New England, John Hogan | Oregon State University and Marilynn G. Goering | Madonna University
2006 Kaye Herzer | Spokane Falls Community College
Administrative Leadership Honor
Purpose of the Honor
The Administrative Leadership Honor honors administrators on AGHE member campuses who have made exceptional efforts in support of gerontology and/or geriatrics education. Recipient(s) receive a personalized certificate at the AGHE Business Meeting at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Recipient(s) receive a framed certificate at the AGHE Breakfast at the GSA Annual Meeting. This is an honor rather than a competitive award. Those nominated are not required to attend the GSA Annual Meeting.
Submission Period
Summer 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees should be administrators above the level of everyday program operation, such as Deans, Provosts, or Presidents.
- Such individuals must have 'gone the extra mile' to support gerontology and/or geriatrics education on campus.
- Affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters that includes the following:
- outline of administrative efforts preformed by the nominee that supported gerontology at nominees institution
- outline of accomplishments that have been attained by the department/program and/or across the institution in gerontology/geriatrics as a results of the nominee's support
- A current Curriculum Vitae with information relevant to the award highlighted.
Nature of the Award
The recipient receives a framed certificate and is recognized during the AGHE Business Meeting of the GSA Annual Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Marla J. De Jong | University of Utah College of Nursing
2021 Maria L.G. Henke | University of Southern California
2020 Freeman A. Hrabowski III | University of Maryland, Baltimore County
2019 Not Awarded
2018 Joann M. Montepare | Lasell College
2017 John R. Bartle | University of Nebraska, Omaha, J. Kevin Eckert, PhD | University of Maryland, Baltimore County and Danielle N. Ripich | University of New England
2016 * Pinchas Cohen | University of Southern California
2015 Not Awarded
2014 Robbyn R. Wacker | University of Northern Colorado
2013 Judy L. Genshaft | University of South Florida
2012 Nadine A. Coudret | University of Southern Indiana
2011-10 Not Awarded
2009 Tammy M. Bray | Oregon State University
2008 Malinda Orlin | The University of Maryland in Baltimore and Scott Bass | University of Maryland Baltimore County
* Award was changed to an honor in April 2016
David A. Peterson Award
AGHE, in conjunction with Taylor and Francis, has instituted the David A. Peterson Award for the Best Article in the volume of Gerontology & Geriatrics Education (G&GE), the official journal of AGHE. All articles accepted for publication in G&GE, beginning with Volume 26, are considered for the award. For each volume, one recipient and one honorable mention will be named.
The purpose of this award is to recognize excellence in scholarship in academic gerontology. In addition to writing style, manuscripts are evaluated on innovation, the soundness of their approach, and their significance to and implications for gerontology and/or geriatrics education.
In naming the award after Dr. David A. Peterson, we salute his pioneering work in gerontology education and his contributions to AGHE. This award has been made possible by a generous donation from The Haworth Press.
Purpose of the Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize to recognize excellence in scholarship in academic gerontology.
Eligibility Criteria
- In addition to writing style, manuscripts are evaluated on innovation, the soundness of their approach, and their significance to and implications for gerontology and/or geriatrics education.
- Affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
Nomination Process
There is no nomination process; in April the editor of the G&GE provides the four top papers for the volume to the subcommittee for review and selection.
Nature of the Award
The first author receives a personalized award certificate and a $250 cash award. The Honorable Mention recipient receives a personalized award certificate. Both awards will be presented during the AGHE Business Meeting at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Past Recipients
| Vol. 42 2021 |
Raquel Meyer | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Jennifer Reguindin | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Shoshana Helfenbaum | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Faith Boutchero | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Joyce Tsui | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Melissa Tafler | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care, Elizabeth Kelson | Ryerson University, David Conn | Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care "Toward a learning-to-performance program for interprofessional long-term care teams: Team Essentials to foster engagement, reciprocity, and meaningful, sustained practice change" |
| Vol. 41 2020 |
Julie B. Miller | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Carley Ward | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Chaiwoo Lee | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Lisa D'Ambrosio | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Joseph F. Coughlin | Massachusetts Institute of Technology "Sharing is Caring: The Potential of the Sharing Economy to Support Aging in Place" |
| Vol. 40 2019 |
Brenda Vrlljan | McMaster University, Amanda Whalen | McMaster University, Tara Kajaks | McMaster University, Shaarujaa Nadarajah | McMaster University, P.J. White | McMaster University, Laura Harrington | McMaster University, Parminder Raina | McMaster Univeristy "Creating an intergenerational university hub: Engaging older and younger users in the shaping of space and place" |
| Vol. 39 2018 |
Sara M. Bradley | Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, Linda Pang | University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and Reena Karani | Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai |
| Vol. 38 2017 |
Liz Seidel | ACRIA |
| Vol. 37 2016 | Tina M. Kruger | Indiana State University "Beyond Assessment: Conducting Theoretically Grounded Research on Service-Learning in Gerontology Courses." |
|
Vol. 36 2015 |
Ariadne Meiboom | VU University Medical Center "The Hidden Curriculum of the Medical Care for Elderly Patients in Medical Education: A Qualitative Study." |
| Vol. 35 2014 |
Feliciano Villar | University of Barcelona |
| Vol. 34 2013 | Paul Roodin | SUNY College at Oswego "Intergenerational Service Learning: A Review of Recent Literature and Directions for the Future." |
| Vol. 33 2013 |
Leslie A. Morgan | University of Maryland, Baltimore County Honorable Mention |
| Vol. 31 2011 |
Thomas M. Meuser | University of Missouri - St. Louis Honorable Mention |
| Vol. 30 2010 |
Noell Rowan | University of Louisville Honorable Mention |
| Vol. 29 2009 |
Nina M. Silverstein | University of Massachusetts Boston Honorable Mention |
|
Vol. 28 2008 |
Brent C. Williams | University of Michigan Honorable Mention |
| Vol. 27 2007 |
Diane C. Calleson | University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Honorable Mention |
|
Vol. 26 2006
|
Sharon V. King | Georgia State University Honorable Mention |
Book Award for Best Children's Literature on Aging
Purpose of the Award
The purpose of the AGHE Book Award for Best Children’s Literature on Aging is to recognize positive portrayals of older adults in children’s literature; the award is given every other year.
Submission Period
Spring 2024
Eligibility Criteria
There are two categories:(a) Primary Reader (pre K—2) and (b) Elementary Reader (3—5 grade). There is one “Honoree” and one “Honorable Mention” in each category. Books must address aging concepts.
Books being nominated need to have been published within the last two years.
Nomination Process
The Conveners of the Intergenerational Learning, Research, and Community Engagement (ILRCE) interest group shall determine the award recipients.
The ILRCE Interest Group will identify eligible books from the American Library Association (published in January) and the Illinois University School of Library Science Center for Children’s Books (published in February). Nominations are welcome from all society membership.
Review Process
Publishers of the nominated books will be notified and requested to send a copy of the book for each member of the review panel. Each member of the review panel will read each book and rate it on a scale of 1-5 scale (with 1 = Poor and 5 = Outstanding) on these five criteria:
a. Portrayal of meaningful aging
b. Portrayal of positive intergenerational relations
c. Diversity e.g, gender, race, ethnicity, disability
d. Appeal
e. Realism of story line
The Honoree and Honorable Mention awards will be given respectively to the books with the highest and second highest ratings in each category.
Notification
Following the selection of the recipients, the ILRCE Interest Group shall send announcement letters to both the American Library Association and the Illinois University School of Library Science Center for Children’s Books. Announcement letters will be sent to the publisher of the Honoree and Honorable Mention books and the Committee will work with the publishers to inform the authors and to affix the AGHE Book Award seal to the books.
Past Recipients
2022
RECIPIENT: On the Trapline by David A. Robertson
HONORABLE MENTION: Coffee, Rabbit, Snowdrop, Lost by Betina Birkjaer
2021 Not Awarded
2020
OLDER READERS: Merci Suarez Changes Gears by Meg Medina
YOUNGER READERS: A Gift from Abuela by Cecelia Ruiz
2019 Not Awarded
2018
PRIMARY READER: It’s Just Aging by Eliah Takushi, Carly Tan, and Colby Takeda
ELEMENTARY READER: Hour of the Bees by Lindsay Eagar
2017 Not Awarded
2016
PRIMARY READER: Papa Chagall, Tell Us a Story by Laurence Anholt
ELEMENTARY READER: The Turtle of Oman by Naomi Shihab Nye
HONORABLE MENTION: Nana in the City by Lauren Castillo
2015 Not Awarded
2014
PRIMARY READER: Shoebox Sam by Mary Brigid Barrett
ELEMENTARY READER: Marching with Aunt Susan: Susan B. Anthony and the Fight for Women's Suffrage by Claire Rudolph Murphy
2013-2012 Not Awarded
2011
PRIMARY READER: Sometimes It's Grandmas and Grandpas: Not Mommies and Daddies by Gayle Byrne
2010
PRIMARY READER: Niwechihaw/I Help by Caitlin Dale Nicholson
ELEMENTARY READER: Ain't Nobody A Stranger to Me by Ann Grifalconi and Jerry Pickney
2009
PRIMARY READER: Rock, Brock and the Savings Shock by Sheila Bair
ELEMENTARY READER: The Golden Rule by Ilene Cooper
Student Leadership Award
Purpose of the Award
The Student Leadership Award recognizes a student whose leadership has advanced the goals and mission of the Academy for Gerontology in Higher Education (AGHE) as well as the respective goals of his/her AGHE-affiliated institution. Nominees should exemplify a commitment to scholarship and advancing the cause of gerontology and/or geriatrics among their peers.
Nominees should demonstrate a commitment to the values of justice and service, think critically and creatively, and epitomize peer-mentorship.
Submission Period
Spring 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Nominees must be a full- or part-time student
- Nominees must be affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
- Nominees should demonstrate active involvement in service and leadership at both at the institutional level and within AGHE.
Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- A single nomination letter signed by at least 3 supporters that should include the following:
- emphasize service and student membership in professional organization, including AGHE, rather than an exemplary academic record.
- A current Curriculum Vitae with AGHE and related activities highlighted.
Nature of the Award
The awardee receives a personalized award certificate, a letter to their program chair and academic mentor/advisor on behalf of the Academy, and will be recognized during the AGHE Business Meeting at the GSA Annual Meeting. This is an honor rather than a competitive award. Those nominated are not required to attend the GSA Annual Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Erta Cenko | University of Florida
2021 Lauren M. Bouchard | Concordia University Chicago
2020 Not Awarded
2019 Stephanie Bolton | University of Southern Caliafornia
2018 Catherine Pérez | University of Southern California
2017 Colleen R. Bennett | University of Maryland, Baltimore County
2016 Amy J. Plant | Youngstown State University
2015 Katherine Humber | University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Graduate Student Paper Award
Purpose of Award
The purpose of this award is to recognize excellence in scholarly work by a student at an AGHE member institution or has selected AGHE as a primary or secondary section, and who presents his or her work at the GSA Annual Meeting. If the quality of submissions meets the following guidelines, one award will be granted annually.
Submission Period
Summer 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- At the time of submissions, eligible students must be affiliated with an AGHE institution or GSA member with AGHE designated as a primary or secondary section.
- Students must first submit an abstract for presentation at the GSA Annual Meeting and be accepted for presentation.
- The paper must meet the following qualifications:
- Significance: Does this paper address an important problem? What is the potential effect of this paper on problems that drive this field?
- Innovation: Does the paper employ novel concepts, approaches or methods? Is it original and innovative? Do findings or conclusions challenge existing paradigms or help develop new methodologies?
- Approach: Are the conceptual framework, design, methods, and analyses adequately developed, well integrated, and appropriate to the purposes of the paper? Do the authors discuss the paper’s limitations?
- Implications for gerontology and/or geriatrics education: Are the implications for education adequately articulated? Do the findings or conclusions have broad applicability?
- Writing: Is the writing style concise? Are concepts, methods, and findings clearly explained? Does the submitted version of the manuscript suggest that the student carefully reviewed the manuscript (e.g., no grammatical, spelling, and typographical errors) and had feedback from others to improve the manuscript?
Self Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- An article submission-quality paper not to exceed 4000 words (not counting references and tables). Manuscripts must be double-spaced, employ 12-point font, and 1-inch margins. The review committee reserves the right to not consider a submission if it is determined that the author did not comply with the submission guidelines and criteria.
- A personal letter verifying that the work is his or her own.
- A letter from the student’s mentor or faculty advisor indicating the following:
- at the time of abstract submission, the student was enrolled in a graduate program either part- or full-time
- the mentor endorses the submitted manuscript as one that merits consideration for such an award
- the manuscript represents the student’s own work.
Nature of the Award
The awardee receives a personalized award certificate, a $250 cash award, and will be recognized at the AGHE Breakfast at the GSA Annual Meeting.
Past Recipients
2022 Renata Komalasari | University of North Texas
2021 Susan L. Brilliant | California State University Long Beach
2020 Yang Li | University of Massachusetts Boston
2019 Peiyi Lu | Iowa State University
2018 Jill J. Naar | Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, "Exploring Intergenerational Educational Tourism Programs to Promote Age-Friendly Universities"
2017 Sara J. English | University of South Carolina, "Increasing the Knowledge and Agency of Certified Nursing Assistants: A Response to Serious Mental Illness in Long Term Care"
2016 Reath Melendez | California State University, Long Beach, "Eldercare Responsibilities Among CSULB Faculty and Staff: A Needs Assessment"
2015-14 Not Awarded
2013 Kristen E. Porter | University of Massachusetts Boston, "Do LGBT Aging Trainings Effectual Positive Change in Mainstream Elder Service Providers?"
2012 Melinda S. Heinz | Iowa State University, "Teaching Sensitive Topics in Gerontology: Differences Between Online and Face-to-Face Courses"
2011 Not Awarded
2010 Deborah Gray | University of Massachusetts Boston, "Weight and Wealth: The Relationship Between Obesity and Net Worth for Pre-Retirement Aged Men and Women"
2009 Christina E. Miyawaki | University of California, Berkeley, "Preferences of Japanese American Baby Boomers about Senior Social Services and Senior Center Programs"
2008 Jessica E. Haxton | University of Denver, "Social Work Graduates: Transformative Field Experiences with Older Adults"
James McKenney Student Travel Award
James McKenney was a Mainer, born in Maine, resided there for most of his life and died in his home February 2015. With no formal advanced education, Jim was recognized for building the first super insulated home, a self-taught project in engineering. Jim highly valued education. When his friend, Marilyn R. Gugliucci, PhD, was serving as AGHE president 2008-2010, Jim established a planned giving gift for AGHE – 20% of his estate would be donated upon his death for advancing student education on aging.
Purpose of the Award
The James McKenney Student Travel Award provides travel funds for students to attend the AGHE programing at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting. Award recipients also receive other benefits incluing complimentary meeting registration and a one-year GSA membership. Approximately 10 students will be selected to receive this award each year.
Submission Period
Summer 2024
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicants must be a US or internationally matriculated student (undergraduate through post-doctoral training) interested in gerontology/geriatrics – the field of aging (matriculation defined as being enrolled as of September for either a semester or the full academic year of the year of the Travel Award).
- AGHE membership status is not required although applications from students at AGHE member institutions or who have selected AGHE as their primary membership group are encouraged.
- If selected, an applicant must attend at least 2 days of the GSA Annual Meeting with mandatory attendance at the AGHE Business Meeting and ESPO Presidential Symposium. Attending mentoring sessions is encouraged.
- Award recipients will be recognized at the AGHE Business Meeting.
- At the close of the GSA Annual Meeting, awardees will be required to:
- Complete a 50-100 word Post Annual Meeting Statement of Learning outlining what the most significant learning experience was from attending the Annual Meeting. This statement will be published in the AGHExchange newsletter.
- Post in the AGHE Connect Community to introduce themselves and share about their area of study.
Self Nomination Process
Required Nomination Packet Materials
- 250-word essay that addresses the question: “How will your participation in the GSA/AGHE Annual Meeting enhance your contribution to the field of aging?”
- A current Curriculum Vitae
- An updated headshot for use in marketing materials if selected
Nature of the Award
An awardee receives funding which covers:
- One year of GSA membership
- Pre-paid student registration for the Annual Meeting
- Pre-paid half day pre-conference workshop at the Annual Meeting
- Pre-paid ticket for the AGHE Business Meeting Breakfast
- A travel stipend paid after the Annual Meeting to offset travel, lodging, and/or meals expenses.
