WMU President John Dunn, standing in the foreground, chats with Ellen Page-Robin at the reception.
On Tuesday June 14, faculty, administrators and students gathered with community members to announce and celebrate the establishment of the Western Michigan University Center for Gerontology and to recognize the Center's Founding Faculty Fellows. The reception took place from 4-6 p.m. in Room 4010 of the College of Health and Human Services.
Center Coordinator Dr. Jan Hahn began a 5 p.m. program with a welcome and introduction of health and human services Dean Dr. Earlie Washington, who spoke about the significance of the undertaking. "When, I came to WMU in 2000, one of the features that drew me here was the long-standing gerontology program," she stated. "That program went into hiatus in 2004, and as dean of the College of Health and Human Services, it has been my goal to revive it."
Dean Washington recognized Emerita Dr. Ellen Page-Robin for her work in establishing the first gerontology program. She also thanked all of those who had assisted in its revival and encouraged continued community participation. "Together," said Dean Washington, "we can address the needs of America's growing population of older adults…and play a vital role in the field of gerontology throughout the nation and beyond."
WMU President John Dunn also addressed the gathering, and Provost Tim Greene presented recognition awards to the Center's Founding Faculty Fellows: Carla Chase, Ed.D., Patricia Fuehr, FNP-BC, Debra Lindstrom-Hazel, Ph.D., Maureen Mickus, Ph.D., Sandra Glista, M.S., Carol Sundberg, Ph.D., and Donna Weinreich, Ph.D.
