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Dec. 5, 2003

Robert Haacker Memorial Scholarship Established at ULM

The gerontology faculty of the University of Louisiana at Monroe are pleased to announce the establishment of the Robert Haacker Memorial Award/Scholarship in Gerontology-Long Term Care Administration. Ms. Billie Haacker, of Bossier City, LA, established the scholarship in memory of her husband who died at his home in February of this year after a courageous battle with cancer.

Haacker had a distinguished career in long-term care, spanning some 38 years. He became a nursing home administrator in 1970 and was instrumental in the development of the National Association of Boards of Examiners for Nursing Home Administrators. His NHA license was Number 007 and he served in numerous capacities on both the state and national levels.

In 2001 he was presented the NAB President's Award and in 2002 honored with a Distinguished Service Award. He was also very active in the American College of Health Care Administrators and was the president of the Louisiana State Chapter. He was a member of the Phi Delta Kappa Honorary graduate fraternity. Haacker worked closely with many state nursing home associations and public and private universities.

Haacker was owner of Professional Printing and Publishing, Inc. and Seminars, Investments, and Research, Inc. As a well-known educator in long-term care, he lectured and presented thousands of hours of continuing education as an advocate for patient rights and the elderly.

"It is a very special honor to accept this award/scholarship in the name of Dr. Haacker. He was an advocate for patient's rights in the nursing home, a leader in educational standards for nursing home administrators and staff, and a strong proponent for quality of care," said Dr. Welch, Head of the Gerontology Program at ULM. "He traveled world-wide in studying nursing home care and physical facilities."

The University of Louisiana at Monroe offers a Master of Arts Degree in Gerontology with concentrations in Long-term Care Administration, Program Administration, and Aging Studies. The University also offers an 18 semester hour Post-baccalaureate Certificate in Gerontological Studies and an undergraduate minor. Faculty and students in the various programs represent a wide range of academic disciplines. Person interested in obtaining more information about the programs can call 342-1750 or go to www.ulm.edu/gerontology.

Anyone wanting to make a donation to the Robert Haacker Memorial Award/Scholarship may send a tax deductible donation to: The ULM Foundation, Robert Haacker Scholarship Fund, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71209.

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