GERONTOLOGY
Gerontology – A Way of Life
A Way of Life
“Retirement”- a familiar word to most of us and although I have been teaching about
retirement for years now, retiring is somewhat of a foreign concept to me.
Yet here I am, letting all of you know that I am “retiring” from my position as
Advisor/Coordinator in the Department of Gerontology as of June 30, 2014 and it is
bittersweet.
My career here at UNO started as an adjunct instructor in 2002 when Dr. Jim
Thorson, then Chair of the department of Gerontology asked if I would be interested in
teaching a class. I was so excited to be able to teach about aging it was a dream come true.
The rest is, as they say “history.”
As I reflect on what this experience as an advisor has been for me I can’t help but to
think about my own educational journey as a non-traditional student. I had wonderful
advisors/mentors that guided me along the way, always there to say “you can do this.” And
so it is with me and how I work with the students. I try to let each and every student know
that they too can accomplish their goals and I will be there with them – every step of the
way. Over the years I have listened to students who were struggling in many different ways
and questioning if they could or should continue their education. I tell them about my
journey and reassure them that while the decision is theirs, I will help in any way I can. I have
learned that an important aspect of advising is listening to the students and building their
trust. I have had the pleasure of advising so many wonderful Gerontology certificate and
minor students over the past several years and feel truly blessed. There is nothing more
rewarding for me than to see the smiling faces of the students at our Gerontology Certificate
ceremony each semester - it is very heartwarming.
Spring 2014
In This Issue
Dr. Leo Missinne
Professorship
Spotlight on Students
2013 Gerontology
Graduates
Spotlight on Faculty
2014 Alumni
Recipient
Service Learning
Award
Poetry to Bridge
Generations
From the Advisor
I have also had the pleasure of working with some really wonderful people in the
department of Gerontology. A special “thank you” to Dr. Julie Masters for giving me the
opportunity to work with the students, both in and out of the classroom and for her support
and encouragement throughout the years. I have truly loved being a member of “TEAM
GERO” and I sincerely think of my dear colleagues as family.
Begin With the End in
Mind
While I am “retiring” from my full-time position as Advisor/Coordinator, I have been
asked if I would continue to teach each semester and of course the answer to that was “YES!”
Gerontology Online
GERO T-Shirts
You can’t get rid of me that easily.
Gratitude List
Sincerely,
Priscilla
Sigma Phi Omega,
Upsilon NU
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Dr. Leo Missinne Professorship
Thanks to the generosity of emeritus
professor, Dr. Leo Missinne, the
department recently received a
significant donation to establish the Leo
Missinne professorship in gerontology.
This professorship will be awarded to a
faculty member at the associate
professor level for a period of five years.
In addition, funds have also been made
available for student scholarships. We
are most grateful to Leo for his
willingness to support us now and in the
future.
(Above) Paul Hogan, Advisory Board Chair
with Leo’s former students. From left to right,
Marty Smith, Justine Ryan Brown, and Nancy
Ryan
(Left) Justine Ryan Brown made the
announcement of the professorship on behalf
of Leo Missine. She is pictured with Julie
Masters and Dean John Bartle.eo’s former
students. From left to right, Marty Smith,
Justine Ryan Brown and Nancy Ryan.
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(Left) Paul Hogan, Advisory Board Chair with
Leo’s former students. From left to right,
Marty Smith, Justine Ryan Brown and Nancy
Ryan.
Gerontology – A Way of Life
Hello Everyone,
I’m Julie Blaskewicz Boron, a new faculty member joining the Gerontology
Department this Fall. I earned my PhD in Human Development and Family Studies
with a concentration in Gerontology at Penn State, and completed postdoctoral
training in cognitive aging at Georgia Tech. Broadly, my research interests focus
on the theme of everyday problem solving, and the impact of cognition, emotion,
and the social context on problem solving in daily life. I’m very interested in the
contribution of individual factors, such as personality and health, on differences in
functioning. Further, my research explores how those around us, such as spouses
or family members, can also influence performance in daily life. Overall, my
research aims to understand how preservation of cognitive function can
contribute to maintaining independence and aging in place throughout older
adulthood. I look forward to much collaboration at UNO with fellow faculty
members and students. It is exciting to be moving to a Gerontology department,
with a strong interdisciplinary focus. This Fall I will be teaching undergraduate
Adult Development and Aging, and the undergrad and graduate course on Mental
Health in Aging. During the Spring semester, I’ll be adding Graduate Seminar in
Aging and Human Behavior to the courses I teach.
I’ve lived most of my life on the east coast, in Pennsylvania, Georgia, and
most recently, Ohio. I’m an animal lover, and have both cats and dogs. One of my
cats is rather unique, she’s a sphynx, which means she is hairless (no whiskers
either!). At times people confuse her for a small dog, though I can assure you that
she is very cat-like, especially with the number of
hours she sleeps! Other than hanging out with my
pets, I enjoy walking (with the dogs of course), and
practicing yoga, which everyone seems to love.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Spotlight on Faculty
Bede Bolin
I was born in Mankato, Minnesota, while my father was attending
Mankato State University. My father, a chemist and botanist, worked for
the Food and Drug Administration for 35 years. Because of this, we moved
17 times by the time I graduated from high school. I graduated from St.
Vincent’s College Preparatory Academy, in Petaluma, California.
After graduation, I joined the Army. I was a paratrooper medic.
I enlisted in under the Special Forces Option and eventually became Special
Forces qualified as a Special Forces Medic and Demolition man. I was assigned to Company C,
2nd Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group (Airborne) at Ft. Bragg, N.C. After three years, I left the
Army, moved home, married my high school sweetheart, Jeanne McMahon, and attended
college at Sonoma State University. I received a BA in History and later a Master’s degree from
Kansas State University. I also attended UC Davis, I was in the Army ROTC program there and
upon receiving my degree in History from Sonoma State in January, 1982, I was commissioned a
Second Lieutenant in the Army. I was an Engineer Officer and my first assignment was to Ft.
Belvoir, VA and the Army Engineer Officer Basic Course to become a qualified Army Engineer. I
spent the next 24 years as an engineer office, having various command and non-command
assignments around the world. I had the distinct pleasure to serve in Iraq with the 24th Infantry
Division (Mechanized). I taught for five years at the Army’s Command and General Staff College
and my final assignment was as the Professor of Military Science at the University of NebraskaLincoln.
My awards include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Defense Meritorious Service Medal
and the Meritorious Service Medal w/4OLCs.
Since my retirement from the Army in September 2006 I have been working in
academia, specifically in the College of Business at UNL. I was the Director of Freshman
Programs, teaching BSAD 101 (now 111), and academic advisor and the Director of the Business
Learning Communities. While at the CBA, I became interested in gerontology, specifically when
my father was dying and in hospice care. The field of gerontology appealed to me very much,
and I feel I can be helpful to older adults. I am completing the requirements for the Master of
Arts in Social Gerontology.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Won Haavisto
Greetings to all,
Hi, my name is Won Haavisto and I am a Gerontology doctoral student. I am also an
instructor in the Gerontology department, teaching Introduction to Gerontology.
My path to here has several twists and turns, I was born and raised in South Korea and I
earned a Bachelors’ degree in Mathematics and Education. I taught math in my home country
(along with trips to study in China and Australia) until I moved to U.S. to be with my American
husband in 2004. I completed a master’s degree program (Master of Science in Administration)
at Central Michigan University four years after moving to the United States.
During my master’s degree program at CMU, I conducted research focused on
measuring the effectiveness of implemented work flexibility programs. The main purpose of
the study was to determine how work flexibility programs influence employee productivity in
the workplace and if such programs affect employee retention. At the beginning of my
research, I assumed that most American workers would struggle more with child care
responsibility rather than elder care responsibility. Surprisingly, during my research, I
discovered that there are a significant number of workers who are responsible for elder care
and that elder care responsibility leads workers to experience physical and emotional distress.
After my research, I realized the need for studying the field of gerontology and felt that I would
be able to integrate the knowledge of gerontology into my future research of work flexibility
programs. This is how my research interests led me to become involved in the Gerontology
program.
Since my admission into this gerontology doctoral program, I have enjoyed studying the
field of gerontology, which is a practical and multidisciplinary study that enables me to study
the various aspects of aging in great detail. Another meaningful event happened to me while
participating in this program; I began teaching Intro to Gerontology, which is my first job in the
United States.
This is my story on how a stay at home mom with two little girls could make a midlife
career change happened. I strongly believe that this is the beginning of my career and is the
foundation that will help me move one step closer to a number of opportunities, which lies in
the area of gerontology. So, I am enjoying learning as well as teaching Gerontology.
Best Regards,
Won Haavisto
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Dr. Jess Kryzkowski
Dr. Jess Krzykowski has been practicing psychology since 2001 and is a
licensed Clinical Psychologist with interests in childhood trauma and its adult
manifestations, anxiety and depressive disorders, grief, aging and cognitive
impairments. In addition to psychotherapy, Dr. Krzykowski has extensive
experience in both psychological and neuropsychological testing and utilizes the
results of these examinations to provide diagnostic clarification as well as inform
plans for treatment.
Dr. Krzykowski graduated from the Illinois School of Professional
Psychology in Chicago and has worked with a variety of individuals experiencing
a range of presenting issues including psychological ramifications of medical
illnesses, adjustment, mood, psychotic, and substance abuse disorders, and chronic
and persistent major mental illness. She is a member of the American
Psychological Association, including Divisions 39 (Psychoanalysis) and 42
(Neuropsychology). She utilizes depth and insight-oriented therapy primarily,
employing an integrative approach in order to best help those in her care.
Dr. Krzykowski has lived in the Omaha area for the past 5 years with her
family. She is currently in private practice full time, seeing adult patients for
psychodynamic psychotherapy and conducting psychological and
neuropsychological evaluations. Prior to this, she worked for the State of Nebraska
Department of Correctional Services providing psychotherapy and evaluations for
majorly mentally ill offenders as well as providing training and education for the
Department staff on issues related to mental health. She is committed to providing
holistic, inclusive, personalized care in a confidential setting.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Kavorting with Karl Kosloski
Recently, Dr. Masters asked me to describe my
activities for the newsletter in case someone out there might
be interested. It seemed rather speculative, but here goes.
As you may know, I had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s
disease. I had it on good authority that that’s what I had (from none other than the
Mayo clinic); but last summer, I started to fall down A LOT. That’s when things
really started to go south for me. As you know, bad things can happen when you
fall, and I had been lucky; but I was worried about what MIGHT happen. So I
returned to Mayo to see what they thought. After a week’s worth of tests, it
seemed that they had formed a new opinion. They told me that I have something
called Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). It sounded like something they tell you
when they’re completely baffled; but it’s legit (I Googled it). It’s apparently a
general failure of the autonomic nervous system. Now the autonomic nervous
system deals with bodily functions that we don’t think about a lot. That the good
news. The bad news is that they’re important functions, like blood pressure,
breathing, heart rate, bladder function, digestion (chewing and swallowing), and
the like. I am gradually losing the ability to speak coherently. The doctors have
assured me that I am not demented (but that depends on who you talk to).
So, now I was stuck with this new disorder. It seemed somewhat direr than
does Parkinson’s. To allay my fears, the neurologist quipped: “At least you don’t
have to worry about dying from old age (apparently, a little bit of gerontological
humor). Unfortunately, it didn’t make me feel any better. Anyway, that’s my new
condition.
As for my professional activities, I’m doing many of the same things. – Only
I’m doing them for free. Years ago, I studied retirement planning. I’m going to
have to re-read that literature because I think I’m doing something wrong in
retirement. I’ve been doing peer reviews for a number of journals and sitting on
some graduate committees (committees that I was on before my retirement). I am
also working on a book on family caregiving with Rhonda Montgomery (due to the
publisher in June). I’m in the same office, so stop by. I’ll be the one pushing
around the walker, wearing a fake nose and mustache (because there’s no way
we’ll make that book deadline).
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Spotlight on Students
MEET Wendy Everson!
Greetings! I’m Wendy Everson a part-time student with an
undergraduate degree from UNO in Family Science through the
Health and Human Services Department. Currently, I am
pursuing a MS in community counseling and certification in
gerontology with completion of both in spring 2015, and then to
obtain licensure as a mental health practitioner. At this stage in
my life, I am anxious and excited to utilize my professional skills as a
counselor with concentrations working with adults throughout the lifespan,
concerns in women’s issues, couples, grief work, depression and anxiety,
and sexuality concerns. Since we are living longer, the population of older
adults is growing steadily higher. How we care for ourselves, physically,
spiritually, emotionally, and mentally as adults, are key components to
living a happy and satisfying life. I want to contribute my knowledge and
expertise to those who struggle to make transitions in everyday living.
Thus, merging both the certification in gerontology with mental health
counseling only enhances my education allowing me professionally to help
others as we age.
Presently, my husband, Tom and I have been married twenty-eight
years and raised four children of our own who are all now young adults
pursing their college educations and professions. We moved to Omaha in
1991 and have enjoyed the smaller city atmosphere to raise a family. I
work fulltime as a lay pastoral minister in a Catholic church. When I’m not
working or studying, I enjoy family time playing cards or Scrabble, yard
work, cooking and baking and running. I have run three half marathons and
trekked up Pikes Peak in Colorado. My goal as an “empty nester” is to recreate myself professionally, stay healthy, visit different cultures and “live
life to the fullest,” as my late grandmother use to always say!
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
MEET Natalie Linder!
My name is Natalie Lindner and I am a senior at the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln. I will be graduating this December with a bachelors in
Education and Human Sciences with a specialization in Family Science. My
minors are psychology and gerontology. I am also pursuing the Gerontology
certificate through the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
I first became interested in the elderly population when I
volunteered at a nursing home in high school. After that I started looking at
helping the elderly directly by getting my certified nurse’s assistant and
medication aide certificates. Following that I decided that I would like to
work with elderly patients as part of my career but not necessarily directly
with them. I started with taking gerontology courses and thought that they
were very interesting. The gerontology certificate includes a practicum with
the elderly and helping out in whatever way that I can, along with taking
courses that educate me more about this wonderful population. I am very
happy with my choice to obtain the gerontology certificate because it will
better prepare me for my future career as a long term care administrator.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
December 2013 Gerontology Graduates
Pictured L-R Back Row: Jason Nye UNO, Nisha Bengali UNL, Janet Miller UNO,
Gloria Kruger UNO, Jennifer Coon UNO. Front Row: Kaneesha Reed UNO, Cindy
Koenig-Warnke UNL, Yeng Cha UNO, Sherry Rizzo UNO, Kelsey Dunkle UNL,
Megan Meyer UNO.
Not Pictured: Ashley Coffiel UNO, Kelsey Jochum UNO, Kelsey Kelly UNO,
Sanjuanita Murgia UNO, Nicola Variano UNO, Denise Lagueux UNO, Megan Lindell
UNL, Kayla Abel UNL, Taylor Armstrong UNL, Brittany Blum UNL, Courtney Woods
UNL, Jenelle Workman UNL.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
College of Public Affairs and Community Service
2014 Alumni Awards for Excellence in Public Service
Gerontology
Sr. Marie Micheletto
Sister of Mercy of the Americas
Sr. Marie Micheletto received her graduate
certificate in Gerontology from the University
of Nebraska at Omaha in 1994. She holds
degrees from the College of Saint Mary and the
University of Northern Colorado. She also
completed a two-year family therapy training
program at the Menninger School of Psychiatry
and Health Sciences. Micheletto is a National Certified Professional
Counselor and member of the National Board of Certified Counselors,
Nebraska Counseling Association, and Who’s Who in Human Services.
As a psychotherapist and consultant, Sr. Micheletto provides
individual, marital, and pre-marital counseling. Additionally, she is
sought after for her expertise on counseling issues, and provides
seminars on personal and professional growth and development, life
cycle transitions, stress management, assertiveness training, wellness,
and holistic health and lifestyles. As a counselor, she has come to
appreciate the challenges faced by people at the end of life. Her work in
implementing the “No One Dies Alone” program for Alegent Health is
an ongoing example of her caring for others.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Congratulations
Karol Anne Warchola
Service Learning Award Recipient!
This award is presented to an undergraduate or graduate student
who has provided service in an outstanding manner and has maintained
an excellent partner relationship with the community.
Karol Anne Warchola will graduate with a Bachelor of General
Studies degree in Healthcare Administration. Her area of focus is
gerontology with attention to minority populations.
Congratulations to Karol on all of her hard work!
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Poetry to Bridge Generations
The Poetry Across the Generations
competition was a contest for poetry lovers of
all ages to express their artistic talents and to
establish and nurture intergenerational sharing
of poetry in our community as a bridge
between generations. “When I read about
UNO’s Intergenerational Poetry Contest in the
World-Herald, I knew I wanted to enter, and
I’m so glad I did!” said Kay Golden of Kearney,
NE, when she accepted the $100 first place Elders Prize at the winners reception at the
Milo Bail Student Center on March 23rd. Participants were to send in two original works
of poetry to be entered for the contest. The topic was a poem about life as a teenager
and a poem about life as a person who is at least 60 years old. There were 88 poems
entered into the contest, and every single one was spectacular! Second place went to
Carolynn Gartner of Crofton, NE, and Jimmie Miller Johnson of Omaha won third prize.
Another $100 prize, The Dale Wolf Poetry Prize, was awarded to Aileen Johnston of
Elkhorn for her entertaining limericks. First place in the Youth Poetry division went to
Calab Jack Holder, a freshman at Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs, second
place to senior Amanda Hostert and sophomore Sahar Azimi, both of Millard. Well
known local poet, Matt Mason served as contest coordinator for the “Poetry Across the
Generations,” sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the Omaha Public
Library, and the Omaha Public Schools.
Congratulations to our winners!
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
From the Advisor/Coordinator
Greetings everyone! As I look out my office window I realize it is officially spring! I feel so
fortunate to be able to experience all four seasons - love Nebraska!
I want to extend a warm “welcome” to all our new students—we are delighted that you are in
our program.
I hope the spring semester is going well for all of you. As a reminder, please make sure your
email, phone, address, etc., information is current. Periodically I receive information regarding career
opportunities, scholarships, and other information that might be of interest to you and want to make
certain I have your current information. Thanks.
If you are pursuing a graduate certificate in gerontology please remember Graduate students
must apply to the office of graduate studies. This can be done online at: http://gero.unomaha.edu
Are planning on graduating in May 2014? Please contact me so we can discuss the next steps.
While there is no formal procedure, it is useful for us to review your file to ensure you have fulfilled all
of the requirements for the program.
Please note: practicum experiences must be scheduled at least two months in advance. If you
want to complete a practicum this summer or fall at UNO, please contact Julie Masters at (402) 5543953 or (402) 471-0754 or [email protected] to schedule an appointment to discuss
requirements. For UNL students, please contact Bede Bolin at (402) 472-0756 or [email protected].
Are you enjoying your Gerontology classes and working on your Gerontology Certificate and/or Minor in
Gerontology? Please help us get the word out about how “awesome” Gerontology is by telling your
friends, co-workers and anyone you think might benefit. Thank you!
Priscilla Quinn
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
BEGIN WITH THE END IN MIND CONFERENCE
A Three-part Series on Thinking About End of Life Decisions
February 21, March 14, April 11
Univerisity of Nebraska at Omaha – Dodge Campus
Many thanks to Judy Harrington and our speakers for their support!
UNO was the site of the 2014 Begin With the End in Mind conference on February 21st, March
14th, and April 11th. Keynote speakers included Paige Toller, Tom Belford, and Helen Chapple.
Approximately 300 people attended this vitally important three-week series. Special thanks to
Sara Young and David Bolte for their help in creating a meaningful experience.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Begin With the End in Mind!
Tom Belford
Owner of John A. Gentlemen Mortuaries and Crematory
Nearly 300 people attended the three week
session.
Paige Toller and Julie Masters
Speak at the Feb. 21st Session
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Guest Speakers continued
Helen Chapple
Helen speaks at the third session about final wishes
Participants listen attentively as Dr.
Julie Masters speaks
People of all ages attended
the three part series
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Sigma Phi Omega Upsilon NU
National Academic Honor
And
Professional Society in Gerontology
Sigma Phi Omega will see a change in its leadership for the fall 2014 semester. I have
been Sigma Phi President for the past two years, and am completing my Master of Arts
in
Social Gerontology this spring to pursue a career in the field of aging. Marcia Adler, who
has served as Sigma Phi Vice President will take over as President this fall. Marcia is the
Director of Health Services at UNO and is a graduate student pursuing a PhD in
Gerontology. I would like to extend to Marcia and all the members of Sigma Phi the
best of luck in all their future endeavors. It has been a pleasure being a part of this
wonderful organization.
We have seen enormous success in the Athletes and Elders program this past semester.
Many of our UNO athletic teams made successful visits local organizations in support of
our community elders. In fact, Marcia Adler also oversees this program believes it was
one of the “most successful” she has seen in recent years. Sigma Phi played a key role in
recruiting efforts resulting in a tremendous increase in student participation over the
past year. We thank everyone who helped us make this past years Athletes and Elders
program a major success!
Please contact Marcia at [email protected] if you have any questions about
becoming a member of Sigma Phi or participating in a volunteer program in the near
future. We hope to hear from you soon. Have a fun and safe summer!
Sigma-Phi President David Piontek is located in CPACS room 210. Please feel free to stop
by and learn more about Sigma-Phi Omega and the Athletes and Elders program!
UNO’s Athletes & Elders Program
David Piontek, President
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Gerontology Online!
Paul Falkowski, PhD
Online Advisor
What a great time of year this is! Spring, to me, is time of new growth and renewal. With that
image in mind, I am pleased to report that our online gerontology program continues to grow by leaps
and bounds. We now have 18 “pure” online students enrolled in our gerontology degrees and
certificates. They represent students from Nebraska (11) and out-of-state locations (7). In addition to
our pure online students, this spring, we filled 366 seats with students taking online gerontology
courses. This is an increase over the previous year by 192%!
We are living in a very exciting time when it comes to the working in the various fields
associated with aging. We have moved from a time when living into old age was a rare event to a time
when living to be 85 or 90 is to be expected. Even more astounding is the growing numbers of people
living to the age of 100. Coupled with this exponential growth in the aging population is the exponential
advances in technology and science that may extend our life expectancy significantly. Imagine living to
be 150 or 200 years of age!
With that thought in mind, the career opportunities associated with programs and services
serving older adults are expanding as well. Retirement planning, financial planning, elder law,
education, travel, fitness, architecture, interior design, health care, life coaching, counselling, and even
theater are just a few of the areas where careers are wide open. For the entrepreneurial, the
possibilities are only limited by one’s imagination.
A gerontological education opens the doors for expertise, creativity and innovation. The “Baby
Boom” generation is a highly educated and discerning consumer population. This means that as the
number of older adults increases so will the pressure for increased competency among those working in
the various fields of aging. They will expect expertise and professionalism. They will do their research
and they will align themselves with people who possess the knowledge and expertise to provide the
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
services they need. People with an education that includes gerontological training will have the
advantage.
This advantage is available to you, now, right at your fingertips! Our online gerontology degrees
and certificates will give you the insight and expertise you will need to provide the high quality services
that your clients will expect. Our Master of Arts in Social Gerontology offers a thesis or non-thesis
option. The thesis is designed to give mid-career professionals wishing to gain additional insight from
research and prepare to conduct research of their own. While our non-thesis track offers practitioners
or those aspiring to work with older adults the opportunities to create, implement, and evaluate
programming for older adults and their families.
Our graduate certificate in gerontology with a concentration in interior design is a must for
those interested in producing appropriate living environments for older adults. Regardless of the field
you may be working in now or preparing for, a graduate or undergraduate certificate in gerontology is a
great addition to your knowledge base. Because of the growing numbers of older adults, it is likely you
will be working with older adults. Take advantage of this great opportunity!
We are adding new courses this coming Summer & Fall:

Nutrition and Aging – Marissa Scales, PhD

Politics and Aging – Christopher Kelly, PhD

Financial Management in Long-term Care – Shari Terry

Crime and Aging – Lindsey Wiley, JD
We welcome Marissa Scales, Shari Terry, and Lindsey Wiley to our roster of experts!
Join our growing online community! Call or e-mail me and let’s talk about your goals and how
online courses may be right for you. I look forward to hearing from you!
My contact information:
E-mail: [email protected]
Telephone: (402)554-3780
Website: http://www.unomaha.edu/geronline
Twitter: @GeroOnline
Facebook: UNO Department of Gerontology
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Upcoming Events
May 7, 2014 – Gerontology Certificate Ceremony
May 19, 2014 – Start of Summer Classes UNO & UNL Campuses
September 22, 2014 – Dr. Chuck Powell Memorial Lecture: Keynote Speaker
Glenn Van Ekeren, President, Vetter Health Care. Glenn is the author of several
books and is a national speaker on the topics of leadership and motivation.
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Hello again! It is an exciting time for the UNO Gerontology
Department; we are pleased to welcome our newest
graduate faculty member, Dr. Julie Boron, who will be
teaching graduate-level courses in the future. It has also
been a year of growth in the Gerontology graduate
program; we now number 18 students admitted to our
Ph.D. program and 32 students to our Master’s program on
our three campuses (Omaha, Lincoln, and online).
Dr. Chris Kelly, Graduate Chair
What makes this my favorite time of the year as Graduate Program Chair, however, is our
opportunity to recognize our graduates, whose superior work in the classroom and whose
passion for aging have inspired all of us. This academic year, we have had a number of
remarkable individuals complete their journey with us:





Sandra Espinosa (M.A., December 2013), who received her degree in Architecture in her
native Colombia, and who plans to continue the career in home and community based
services she began while studying at UNO.
Marietta Sewell (M.A., May 2014), a native Nebraskan and a proud mother and
grandmother, as well as a “non-traditional” student who has worked tirelessly on behalf
of our Department.
David Piontek (M.A., May 2014), an Air Force veteran who was inspired to begin a
“second career” in aging by an Introduction to Gerontology course, taught by our own
Amy Hanson.
Krystle Kelhoffer (M.A., May 2014), a UNL graduate (where she was a Gerontology
Minor) who has continued her studies in aging as an online student in Florida
Bede Bolin (M.A., May 2014), our new undergraduate instructor and advisor at UNL,
whose own background in the military and in the College of Business Administration
have made him the perfect addition to our “team”.
Their stories help illustrate the diversity in the students that are called to a career in aging.
What these students have in common is that they have successfully integrated the
multidisciplinary training in our program and each is committed to applying this knowledge to
improve the lives of older adults. I am grateful to each of our graduates in what they have
taught us and I wish them continued success in the future.
Thanks!
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
Did you miss ordering a Gerontology T-Shirt?
T-Shirt Orders!
If you missed the last call for T-shirt orders, contact us to put in an order. We plan to place an
additional order before the end of the spring semester.
Get yours today by picking up an order form in the Gerontology Department!
Availability
Red – Lincoln Students
Black – UNO Undergraduate Students
Charcoal Grey – UNO Graduate Students
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
2013-2014 Gratitude List
Dear Friends:
The 2013-2014 Academic Year has been a whirlwind of excitement. We have
been able to accomplish much thanks to the efforts of many people. Our gratitude list
includes the following:
Our students – without them, we cease to exist!
Our adjunct faculty are experts in their respective fields of medicine, nursing,
law, and administration. With their presence we are able to offer a wide range of
courses in Omaha, Lincoln and online. We are also appreciative of our new courtesy
faculty, Drs. Paige Toller and Nancy Kelley-Gillespie for lending their expertise to such
endeavors as serving on doctoral committees.
For the continued involvement of our retired faculty, Drs. Leo Missinne, Bruce
Horacek, Karl Kosloski, and Jim Thorson in supporting our department and students.
The opportunity to work with our colleagues in Biomechanics and Biology.
Our advisory board are leaders in the community. Their wisdom and vision
afford us the opportunity to think outside of the box. They are to be credited for
moving us into the online arena – along with Dean John Bartle. The advisory board and
our Dean push us to always go to the next level. We are grateful.
The hiring of Sara Young as our new staff assistant. For those of you who have
met Sara, you will understand why we have “hit the jackpot!” Her willingness to
support any and all endeavors is a great gift to us all. Thank you Sara!
For our distinguished professor, Dr. Stan DeViney, for lending his expertise to
teaching and mentoring our doctoral students.
The enthusiasm of Drs. Priscilla Quinn and Paul Falkowski in recruiting and
advising students to our three campuses of Omaha, Lincoln and Online. They have
worked hard to share one of the best kept secrets out there – gerontology is a way of
life!
(Continued on next page)
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Gerontology – A Way of Life
2013-2014 Gratitude List
For our new hire on the Lincoln campus, Bede Bolin who promises to benefit our
students, faculty and the community outside of Omaha. He will be involved in teaching
introduction to gerontology classes, advising certificate students and supervising
practicum. Welcome Bede!
Anyone who has taken a course from Dr. Chris Kelly is aware of his talents and
gifts. His interest and enthusiasm for working with graduate students as the graduate
chair is exceptional. We are especially happy for his recent appointment to the editorial
board of the Journal of Applied Social Gerontology. This is a credit to his skills as a
researcher.
We are all grateful for Dr. Lyn Holley and her work with the community. As our
Service Learning expert she is ensuring our students have the opportunity to gain
invaluable intergenerational experiences in the community. Lyn’s teaching, research
and service has paved the way for her to be promoted to a full professor in the fall.
Well done.
We continue to benefit from the expertise of our research methodologist, Dr.
Kyle Kercher. Numerous students, past and present, have gained a great deal from his
passion for establishing a solid research design for their dissertations this is key to our
future. We appreciate his expertise.
For those of you who have noticed our flyers around campus or even this
newsletter, this has all been made possible because of our AWESOME student assistant
– David Bolte. We have enjoyed having him on our team this year!
2014-2015 promises to be a wonderful year as we bring on a new faculty
member, Dr. Julie Boron and work to establish the Bachelor of Science in Gerontology.
Best wishes,
-Julie
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