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
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology
- Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology – Online Option
- Minor in Aging
- Undergraduate Certificate in Healthy Aging
Scholarships
Through the generosity and dedication of donors, the Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology consistently offers scholarships to students at all levels.

Upcoming Events
The Helen Bader Office of Applied Gerontology and the Student Gerontology Association are proud to collaborate on events throughout the year.
Annual events include:
- Community event – held in fall.
- Artistic Representations of Aging – held in spring.
- World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – held in early June.
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

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.

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.
Connect with Applied Gerontology
- Professor, Social Work
- Helen Bader Endowed Chair, Applied Gerontology
- galamboc@uwm.edu
- 414-251-8986
- Enderis Hall 1157
- Clinical Assistant Professor, Social Work
- Field Liaison, Social Work Field Program
- Coordinator of Education & Programming, Applied Gerontology
- kahnpet2@uwm.edu
- 414-229-6888
- Enderis Hall 1067
"*" indicates required fields