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.

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.

Alumni

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

Connect with Applied Gerontology

Portrait of Colleen Galambos (white woman), social work professor and Helen Bader Endowed Chair of Applied Gerontology
Galambos, Colleen
PhD
  • Professor, Social Work
  • Helen Bader Endowed Chair, Applied Gerontology
Headshot of white woman with necklace and purple sweater.
Kahn-Pettigrew, Jen
MSW, APSW
  • Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work
  • Field Liaison, Social Work Field Program
  • Coordinator of Education & Programming, Applied Gerontology
Headshot of woman wearing a turtleneck standing in front of a brick wall with a vine draped across it.
Kostolni, Isabella
  • Administrative Assistant

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