April 3, 2007 issue
Eastern Michigan University has been a great place for me to start
my career as a sociologist. It offers an opportunity to
work with a diverse student population. I find it highly
satisfying to help others learn something new, to succeed
at having them look at the world in a different way. EMU
also provides an occasion to collaborate with stellar and
supportive colleagues on various projects.
My research activities led me to the field of gerontology. I was recently
asked to assume the position of director of the gerontology
program. Gerontology is an exciting and growing field.
In the program, we hope to share the importance and significance
of our work with students, other faculty members and the
general community.
The gerontology program recently developed a new course for the new general
education requirements. This course explores global issues
related to aging. Students will be exposed to different
cultures by looking at how aging is viewed and experienced
worldwide. Hopefully, this new course will help introduce
younger students to gerontology. We want to show them that
aging is not about being old and sick. Aging is a lifelong process.
