Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology

The mission of the Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology is to promote optimal aging and strengthen connections with community partners by advancing opportunities in gerontology education, research and training for students, faculty and the community.

Education Programs

Scholarships

Through the generosity and dedication of donors, the Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology consistently offers scholarships to students at all levels.

Five woman of varying ages standing together holding their awards in front of a school banner.
From left: Lauren Miller (Helen Bader Age & Community Scholarship recipient); Helen Ramon (Bader Philanthropies); Mentor of the Year Award recipient Jen Kahn-Pettigrew; Irene Frye (Donor); Colleen Galambos (Helen Bader Endowed Chair of Applied Gerontology).

Upcoming Events

The Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology and the Student Gerontology Association are proud to collaborate on events throughout the year.

A panel discussion that includes four people: three gay and transgender individuals (Black female and males) and one white individual (female). Behind them, three illustrations of their faces appear on a large screen in front of the room.

Annual events include:

Impact

2023 AGESW Leadership Award

The Association for Gerontology Education in Social Work (AGESW) selected Colleen Galambos for the 2023 AGESW Leadership Award.

This award recognizes a faculty member who has made significant contributions in aging research, teaching and scholarship and who has demonstrated outstanding service to AGESW and gerontological social work.

Vital Directions for Health and Health Care

Colleen Galambos, Helen Bader Endowed Chair in Applied Gerontology at UWM, was invited by the National Academy of Medicine to participate in the Vital Directions for Health and Health Care: Priorities for 2021 initiative.

This initiative provides expert guidance on U.S. health policy focus areas, including health care for older adults. Galambos co-authored the article “Actualizing Better Health and Health Care for Older Adults,” which outlines policy priorities that can help improve the care and quality of life for all older adults.

National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Quality of Care in Nursing Homes Committee

Colleen Galambos was selected to serve on the National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine’s Quality of Care in Nursing Homes Committee.

Students and Alumni

Headshot of Black woman wearing a cross necklace, cardigan and professional badge.

The Aging Minor strengthened my BSW by giving me specialized knowledge about older adults, dementia care, and long-term care systems. It helped me connect classroom learning to real-world practice and enhanced my confidence as a future social worker.

Tawanda GoodmanBSW Alumna and Helen Bader Age & Community Scholarship Recipient
Portrait of Jessica Hickman (black woman), a Masters in Social Work and Applied Gerontology Certificate Alum

Whether your career path is an occupational therapist, nurse, or social worker, this program truly welcomes all as it highlights an interdisciplinary perspective and approach to supporting older adults.

Jessica Hickman, MSW, CAPSWGraduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
Portrait of Eric (white man), an MSW and Applied Gerontology Alum

I liked that UWM has such an engaged student body, it seems like everyone is actively working with older adults and always open to consult. Also the professors, particularly Dr. Colleen Galambos and Dr. Yura Lee, are very distinguished in their fields and have a wealth of information.

Eric Engelbart, MSW, APSWGraduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
Headshot of Black female with shoulder length curled hair. She is wearing a yellow blouse and gold earrings.

The Helen Bader Age and Community Scholarship has been instrumental in advancing my educational journey by easing financial constraints and allowing me to dedicate more time to rigorous research on aging, chronic disease management, and social support in older adults.

Rose NorteyCollege of Nursing Scholar and Helen Bader Age & Community Scholarship Recipient
Headshot of smiling white female with glasses. She is standing in front of a door and is wearing a floral blouse.

I am specializing in a growing field where there is true need. I appreciate having the opportunity to learn all there is to know about the field of Gerontology. I am
able to take the information I am learning and directly apply it to the field position
I am in at a geriatric clinic.

Rebecca WakefieldGraduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
Headshot of Nigerian female smiling and standing confidently with her arms crossed. She is wearing a white shirt and blazer.

These courses have increased my understanding of the factors that shape the daily lives of older adults and clarified not only what effective, person-centered practice looks like, but also what a truly collaborative approach to elder care can be.

Sylvia Onyeiwu, MSWGraduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology

Connect with Applied Gerontology

Galambos, Colleen
PhD
  • Professor, Social Work
  • Helen Bader Endowed Chair, Applied Gerontology
Kahn-Pettigrew, Jen
MSW, APSW
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work
  • Field Liaison, Social Work Field Program
  • Coordinator of Education & Programming, Applied Gerontology
Morris, Taylor
  • Graduate Assistant, Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology

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