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June 2, 2006

Institute of Gerontology presents honors during conference

The Institute of Gerontology at the University of Louisiana at Monroe celebrated student accomplishments and community support during the evening session of the Louisiana Geriatric Society Conference Friday, June 2 in the ULM Library Conference Center.

The institute honored two outstanding graduate students: Manda Mountain and Kara Le Causey.

Mountain is the recipient of the Dr. Robert Haacker Memorial Scholarship. As she was conducting her administrator-in-training internship in St. Bernard Parish, Hurricane Katrina struck. Mountain helped residents evacuate and was praised for her extraordinary efforts. Because Mountain was unable to complete her training in New Orleans, she returned to north Louisiana and completed the state-required training at the Olive Branch in Tallulah.

Le Causey is the recipient of the Stephanie Pepper Sims Memorial Scholarship. She is a LTC (long-term care) administrator, is one of the leaders of the "culture change initiative" in Louisiana, and has presented on numerous topics related to LTC. She will also be a presenter at the LGS (Louisiana Geriatric Society) Conference discussing the impact of receiving nursing home residents from the storm-stricken regions.

The institute recognized some of the individuals who have shown considerable support to the gerontology program over the years, including:

• The Beidenharn family for the $1 million endowed chair in gerontology
• Saul Mintz for continued financial support
• Roxann Johnson for dedication and support to the field of gerontology and the ULM program
• Billie Haacker for establishing the Robert Haacker Memorial Scholarship
• Mr. and Mrs. Howard Pepper and David Sims for establishing and maintaining the Stephanie Pepper Sims Memorial Scholarship.
• The anonymous individuals responsible for the $100,000 endowed professorship in gerontology were noted in the program in lieu of public mention, with respect to their wishes.

The institute recognized Dr. Bonnie Hatchett, who will end her tenure as the Biedenharn endowed chair in gerontology this summer after three years of hard work and dedication. Many of the institute's accomplishments, including the peer reviewed faculty publications and presentations were spotlighted.

Student produced videos were shown in addition to videos on research, published works and posters. The Older Worker Program and the Retired Senior Volunteer Program, extensions of the Institute of Gerontology, were also showcased.

Doctors, nursing home administrators, social workers, activity directors, general service provides, gerontology students and faculty attended the conference. Approximately 40 people attended.

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