Message from our Center Director | |
|
During November, the Csomay Center team has been reflecting on gratitude. Across our social media, you will see highlights of what our community members are grateful for. I am eternally grateful for Barbara and Richard Csomays' foresight and the generosity of all our supporters.
Given the Csomays’ endowed gift, it is my responsibility as Director to secure sustainable resources for our mission and community. This newsletter highlights our Center resources, including people like Karen Spurgeon, an Eight Over 80 recipient, and Lilia DeSantis, our first communications student worker. These resources also include members of the Csomay Center Collective, who are doing pivotal work to enhance optimal aging and expand the workforce caring for older adults.
Looking to the future, we need to enhance our visibility and invite new members to our community. We have launched a podcast, “Embracing the Journey of Aging with the Csomay Center,” to discuss our mission and the benefits of membership. We also launched the Friends of the Csomay Center, a group of dedicated community members supporting our engagement and resource development. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults and their caregivers. I am grateful for your continued support.
| |
|
Harleah G. Buck, PhD, RN, FPCN, FAHA, FGSA, FAAN
Sally Mathis Hartwig Professor in Gerontological Nursing
Director of the Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence
University of Iowa College of Nursing
| |
Photographed: Jen Jones and Nicole Weathers | |
Optimal Aging Initiative
The Csomay Center prides itself on being a connector: a connector of people, resources, researchers, and support for caregivers. The past several weeks have found Jen Jones and the Optimal Aging Initiative connecting with organizations seeking to impact aging in rural areas.
| |  |
|
Certification Center
The Certification Center is moving into the new future of supporting direct care workers and community colleges statewide with a new testing system. In the last two months, Dr. Shalome Tonelli, PhD, RN, Assistant Professor of Instruction, Director of the Certification Center, and others have invested a significant amount of time in preparing for this transition.
| | |
Embracing the Journey of Aging with The Csomay Center
Our first episode of the “Embracing the Journey of Aging with the Csomay Center” podcast is out! In this episode, you will hear the voices of our dedicated team: Dr. Harleah Buck, Sam Wittrock, Jen Jones, and Susan Cui. We all gather to talk about the Csomay Center, our mission, our vision, and how you can get involved.
| |
Meet Community Member and Eight Over 80 Award Recipient
Karen Spurgeon
Karen Spurgeon, an Iowa alumna who graduated in 1964 with a music degree, has dedicated her life to others through her work. From teaching music to owning the Bloomfield Democrat newspaper, she has made significant contributions. This past spring, she was honored with the University of Iowa Center for Advancement's Eight Over 80 award, showcasing her lifelong dedication.
| |
Lilia DeSantis
Lilia’s role is new to the center, focusing on communications and administrative tasks. So far, Lilia has helped build social media content that you have seen across our platforms, facilitated meetings, and attended events for the Csomay Center.
| |
|
Friends of the Csomay Center | |
|
The Csomay Center is thrilled to announce the launch of the Friends of the Csomay Center this fall! This dedicated group has been established to enhance our visibility, expand our networks, and secure vital resources to support our mission.
| |
|
In the center photo, you will see from right to left Dr. Kimberly Dukes, Ceil Miller-Bouchet, Dr. Clarissa Shaw, Dr. Harleah Buck, Xandra McGlasson, John Bowers, Dr. Kim Bergen-Jackson, Lilia DeSantis, Amanda Lensing, Katie Machovsky, and Jen Jones.
In surrounding photos you will see Amanda Lensing and Dr. Deema Totah presenting to everyone at the meeting. In the remaining photos, you will see conversations between College of Nursing and Csomay Center staff and guests.
| |
|
The Csomay Center is committed to advancing innovations in research, education, and practice to promote optimal aging and quality of life for all older adults and their caregivers.
You can support our mission by making a contribution to the Csomay Center.
| |
Follow us on social media for more Csomay Center updates! | | | | |
