Do you have the Courage to Care Campaign

The UNO Department of Gerontology is launching its new campaign, The Courage to Care, as a way to encourage prospective students and mid-career professionals to consider a future in aging. It takes courage to care when working in the field of aging. It takes courage to envision the vast number of opportunities for persons interested in a rewarding and exciting career in aging.

Funded through the generosity of the Immanuel Vision Foundation, the Department is actively working to engage in outreach activities in Omaha, Lincoln, and beyond. Outreach efforts include community presentations and web stories. Outreach also includes having a greater staff and faculty presence at conferences. For example, at the 21st International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics World Congress, Mark Kazor, online and practicum coordinator, shared the benefits of pursuing an education in gerontology, especially at the doctoral level, with attendees. Look for us at future events in and around Nebraska.

Other activities of the campaign include showing prospective students the benefits of having an education in gerontology. From a Certificate or minor at the undergraduate level, to the Bachelor of Science in Gerontology, incoming freshman have an opportunity to learn the latest theories, research, and practice in the field. For returning and mid-career professionals, the M.A. or Ph.D. in Gerontology offers numerous opportunities for potential students to gain the skills needed in research and service to become the leaders of the future.

UNO, CPACS, and the Department of Gerontology are well aware of the need to train professionals in this emerging field. Our graduates are finding jobs as care managers, lifestyle coordinators, public guardians, and marketing professionals. We also have graduates who are pursuing further education in health careers such as medicine and nursing. With 10,000 Baby Boomers turning 65 years old each day, there is no better time to have the Courage to Care.

Be sure to save October 2 for the next Dr. Chuck Powell Memorial Lecture. Sarah Rowan, a board member for the Eden Alternative and nationally known speaker will be coming to campus to discuss her experiences in caring for her husband. Her program is entitled, When the Curriculum Changed. Please check the Department of Gerontology website for more details in the coming months.