The Gerontological Society of America (GSA) has chosen Spero M. Manson of the University of Colorado and Marcia M. Ory of Texas A&M University to receive its 2007 Award for the Distinguished Mentorship in Gerontology. This honor is given to individuals who have not only fostered excellence in the field, but have made a major impact by virtue of their mentoring, and whose inspiration is sought by students and colleagues.
The award presentation will take place at GSA's 60th Annual Scientific Meeting, which will be held from November 16th - 20th, 2007 in San Francisco, CA. The actual conferral will occur on Sunday the 19th at 11:15 a.m. at the Hilton San Francisco. The convention is organized to foster interdisciplinary interactions among clinical, administrative, and research professionals who specialize in the study of the aging process.
Ory previously worked for the National Institute on Aging, where she helped launce the careers of numerous junior investigators, postdoctoral fellows, and recent graduates. She also established a special career development initiative there in behavioral geriatrics research . More recently, she established the Texas A&M's Aging and Health Promotion Program, which is attracting faculty and students alike to consider gerontology as an area of study.
Manson's career over the last two decades has involved work with 73 Native American communities and has generated an excess of $60 million in research funds from federal, state, private, and tribal sources. Many of his publications involve student who have received training and experience under his guidance.
To be eligible for the prize, the mentor must have had influence on graduate, undergraduate, and professional students as evidenced by the number and accomplishments of their mentees. Membership in GSA's Behavioral and Social Sciences section is required for the award.
The Gerontological Society of America is the nation's oldest and largest multidisciplinary organization devoted to research, education, and practice in the field of aging. The principal mission of the Society - and its 5,000+ members - is to advance the study of aging and disseminate information among scientists, decision makers, and the general public.