The following scholarships are offered by the aging studies program. For specific applicant criteria and application deadlines, please see the School of Health Sciences scholarship page.

The amounts of the scholarships vary from $500 to $1,000 or more. Recipients are required to attend the Aging Studies Program Scholarship Reception in the fall semester. For more information please contact Cassandra Barragan, Director, at [email protected].

Find out about the Emma Stevens Aging Research Award.

  • Aging Studies Endowed Scholarship

    This scholarship was developed to support students in the aging studies minor, certificate in gerontology or certificate in dementia programs, and is given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to a professional career in the field of aging as well as academic achievements.

  • Edna Gates Endowed Scholarship

    This scholarship was created in memory of Mrs. Edna Gates. Mrs. Gates was a spirited and dynamic woman who for many years had a challenging professional career in Washington government. She had Alzheimer's disease and was one of the original residents of Huron Woods. Mrs. Gates' determination to succeed in leading a normal life for as long as possible taught us about the importance of maintaining and enhancing the personhood of individuals with dementia. Students from any graduate program can apply for this award; they must be able to demonstrate a commitment to caring for individuals with dementia.

  • The Mary M. Schroder, R.N., Endowed Scholarship
    This memorial scholarship was established by Ruth Husung in honor of Ms. Mary Schroder. Ms. Schroder was a career member of the nursing faculty of the University of Michigan. She was one of the original residents of Huron Woods. Ms. Schroder believed all individuals deserved quality care and should be treated with dignity. As a professional nurse, she modeled compassion, caring and sensitivity toward others and dedication to quality patient care. She also believed that music and spiritualism were essential components of life regardless of health status. The certificate in dementia reflects these values. The recipient of the scholarship will be selected based on the individual's commitment to these values as an integral part of their professional practice.
  • Emma F. Stevens Memorial Scholarship

    Former Eastern professor Suzanne Stevens created this endowment in honor of her mother, Emma, to provide financial support for students who hold a passion for working in the areas of dementia, Alzheimer's care or gerontology.

    Emma Stevens grew up in the Detroit area and after high school attended the Business Institute of Detroit, to complete a secretary training program. She found a job working for the L.A. Young Golf company which was known for designing the famous "Hagen" clubs, named after the famous golfer Walter Hagen. During that period, she met a young man named Tom Stevens who worked for the same company. After Emma and Tom met and married, Tom's job took them to a number of places including Massachusetts, North Carolina and Pennsylvania. In 1941 Tom left Philadelphia with Emma and their new daughter, Suzanne. His next job found him back in Detroit, working for General Motors. Since Emma grew up in the area, this new job gave her a chance to reestablish her roots.

    Emma loved people and was always very socially involved, whether it was in Detroit or, later, in the couple's home in Belleville. She enjoyed helping with the women's group at the Methodist church, dinners for the rotary club and funeral luncheons. She always had many friends and was known as a good listener. In 1995 Tom passed away and Emma, who was unable to say in their home alone, went to live with her daughter Suzanne. Later, Emma moved to Huron Woods (a facility for dementia/Alzheimer's patients) and continued to live there for about three years before she passed away in 2007.

    Get more information on the scholarship [PDF].

  • Sarah Weiner Graf Memorial Endowed Scholarship

    This scholarship was created in loving memory of Mrs. Sarah Graf, one of the original residents at Huron Woods (a dementia residential program on the campus of St. Joseph Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor). Mrs. Graf, a child prodigy pianist, had a passion for the cultural arts, particularly dance, theater and opera. She was also a very dedicated piano teacher who was loved by her students. This scholarship is awarded annually to a student interested in developing and/or refining skills in designing meaningful experiences for people with dementia through music, movement, reminiscence, art or sensory stimulation. In order to be eligible for this award, the student must demonstrate a commitment to working with older people with dementia and be enrolled in, or a graduate of, a clinical program such as Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Nursing, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work or Psychology.

  • Helen A. Grzadzinski Endowed Scholarship

    The Helen A. Grzadzinski Endowed Scholarship was established by Catherine Cart, Patricia Jorgensen and Paulette Trombley, daughters of Helen Grazdzinski, as a way of expressing their appreciation for their mother's care. Helen's daughters established a scholarship in her memory to provide specialized education for students, particularly nurses, to become qualified professionals in dementia care. Helen's daughters hope that by providing this exceptional assistance, other families will enjoy the benefits of the peace of mind that comes with knowing that their loved ones are in the care of specially trained nurses and other professionals.

    Helen Ann (Bochenek) Grzadinski was born August 29, 1916 in Hamtramck, Michigan. She was a hard-working woman who held positions as a shampoo girl in a local hair salon and who also cleaned houses in the neighborhood. Several years after graduation from Hamtramck High School, Helen met her husband, Peter Grzadzinski, and was married in 1941. They raised four children. Helen returned to the workforce and was hired by Ford Motor Company as one of Ford's first female Quality Control Inspectors. She retired from Ford after twenty-five years of service. For recreation, Helen enjoyed reading, bowling, playing cards, bingo and watching and listening to Detroit Tigers and Detroit Lions games. It was during Helen's time at a nursing home that her daughters grew to appreciate the ways the nurses cared for their mother. They believe it takes a special person to care for people with dementia.

  • Inez S. Rolfes Dementia Endowment Scholarships

    This endowed scholarship and award were created by Alice Rolfes-Curl to honor her mother, Inez S. Rolfes. Ms. Rolfes was an energetic and creative woman who nurtured her love of art, music and travel through years devoted to raising a family as a single parent, and greatly enjoyed those pursuits especially in retirement. Later in life Ms. Rolfes moved from her beloved New York City to Ann Arbor to be close to her family. As an original resident of Huron Woods (a program created to document the course of dementia through research and teaching skills to provide appropriate care for residents) Ms. Rolfes appreciated discussions of her life experiences and memory loss with Dr. Shelly Weaverdyck and the research team. She expressed her hope that what was learned from this research would be used to help others. Creation of this scholarship and award is the latest effort to expand and enhance support of students and instructors committed to working with those afflicted with dementia.