Gerontology Program
Sigma Phi Omega
Delta Gamma Chapter at UNCG
Enjoy our Fall 2007 SPO Chapter newsletter!
Sigma Phi Omega (SPO), the national academic
honor and professional society in gerontology, was established in 1980
to recognize the excellence of those who study gerontology/aging and the outstanding
service
of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The formation
of a society not linked directly to any of the major professional associations
appeared to be a fruitful avenue to provide a much needed link between educators,
practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are
served.
SPO seeks to promote scholarship, professionalism, friendship, and services to older persons, and to recognize
exemplary attainment in gerontology/aging
studies
and related fields
The goals of SPO are achieved primarily through the activities of local
chapters,
and secondarily through efforts of the national office and officers. Local
chapters serve as links within their respective communities to promote interaction
between gerontology educators, students, alumni, and local professionals. The
chapters provide opportunities for personal and professional interaction, sharing
of concerns, discussion of issues, service activities, and so forth.
To learn
more about the SPO national honor and professional society, visit http://www.aghe.org/site/aghewebsite/section.php?id=7972
SPO newsletters are available at http://www.aghe.org/site/aghewebsite/section.php?id=8316
Delta Gamma is the SPO Chapter at UNCG.
Fall 2007-Spring 2008 Officers are:
Catharine Sutherland, President dancingtreesyoga@yahoo.com
Christina Shaffer, President Elect c_shaffe@uncg.edu
Margaret Rakestraw, Secretary Treasurer mbrakest@uncg.edu
Publicity Coordinators, Burgin Ross & Mike Morrison
SPO Delta Gamma Chapter Meeting Dates and times are:
August 14, 2007 @ 5:45 in the HHRB Social Lounge after the Gerontology Program
Orientation
September 7, 2007 @ 5:30 in Elliott University Center Food Court, UNCG
This educational presentation for SPO members and all gerontology students
features guest speaker and gerontology professor Sandy Crawford Leak as
well as UNCG Gerontology students
October 17, 2007, 5:30 - 7 pm Green Bean Coffee House, Downtown
Greensboro
Conference Planning 101: How to Get the Most Out of Your Conference Experience
Gerontology Program Director Janice Wassel, Ph.D., will spell out the best
ways for graduate students to get the most bang for their bucks when attending
or presenting at professional and educational conferences. Students with conference
experience will also be invited to share their favorite strategies for success.
The Green Bean has an impressive selection of coffees, teas, beers, snacks,
and desserts, so we promise you won’t go hungry. For directions
and more information, visit http://www.triaddiner.com/view_rest.php?restid=117.
November 7, 2007, 5:30 at the Green Bean Coffee Shop, Elm Street, Downtown
Greensboro
Aging on Tap
All UNCG gerontology students and professors are invited to drop in at the Green
Burro and relax over a cold brew (they also have root beer!) as we discuss the
aging issues of the day. They have great burritos, burgers, salads, and other
delicious fare, so we hope folks will stick around for dinner! For directions
to the Burro, visit http://www.thegreenburro.com.
Spring 2008, Details TBA, Greensboro
The Truth About Aging: A Hands-On Experience
UNCG students and members of the Triad community are invited to attend an aging
sensitivity training conducted by Dean Burgess, director of the Northwest Piedmont
Triad Area Agency on Aging. Participants will experience firsthand some of the
potential physical challenges of aging (such as changes in finger dexterity,
vision, and hearing); will consider the importance of age-friendly environments;
and will discuss societal issues related to growing older including stereotypes,
ageism in and out of the workplace, and the demographic statistics of aging
in our region.
April 13-19, 2008, UNCG EUC & UNCG Library
Careers in Aging Week
The Gamma Delta Chapter of SPO will create an innovative Careers
in Aging Week display in the UNCG Library to educate students,
professors, and the campus community about the wide range of professional opportunities
available in the rapidly growing field of aging. SPO members will also sponsor
a table in the Elliot University Center at certain times during the week to
provide information (and candy) and talk with students about aging career
prospects.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008, Cone Ballroom, EUC, UNCG
Aging is Good Business Summit: Silver Technologies
SPO Gamma Delta members will joyfully contribute their talents and expertise
on the day of UNCGs third annual Aging
is Good Business Summit to make sure the event is another
resounding success! SPO efforts in years past have included everything from
helping at the registration table to artfully arranging floral centerpieces
to assisting vendors setting up their booths. The yearly Summit provides an
excellent opportunity for SPO members and all gerontology students to volunteer
in their field of interest; engage in professional networking; and take advantage
of a full day of enriching presentations by national leaders in the world
of aging research and practice.
2008 Memory Walk
Date, Time, & Location TBA
All SPO members and UNCG gerontology students are encouraged to lace up their
walking shoes and join the team for the annual Memory Walk! In addition to
boosting awareness of rising numbers of adults and family caregivers facing
the challenge
of Alzheimers disease worldwide, the event raises money
and support for the Alzheimers Association. SPO members
will walk as a team wearing official UNCG Gerontology t-shirts.