Two West Virginia University student groups will play host to WVU s second annual Careers in Aging Symposium at 6:30 p.m. Monday, April 28, in the Blaney Lecture Hall (Room G-15) of the Life Sciences Building.

The campus-wide interest in aging has grown considerable in recent years, and two new student groups dedicated to the field of gerontologythe Gerontological Society of America (WVU Student Chapter) and Sigma Phi Omega (Delta Kappa Chapter)have formed this year.

These organizationsalong with the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, the WVU Center on Aging, the Department of Psychology and the Mountain State Geriatric Education Centerare co-sponsoring the event.

“By the middle of this century, one in five Americans will be over the age of 65,”said Jenessa Johnson, a doctoral student in psychology and chair of the GSA student chapter.”Additionally, persons over 85 encompass the fastest growing age group in the nation. It is important to remember that within the older adult population there is great diversity. While many older adults require assistance with everyday activities, others are healthy, active and independent.”

“The objective is to achieve and maintain a high quality of life among all older adults,”added Melinda Spencer, chair of Sigma Phi Omega.”Achieving this goal requires professionals who are willing to serve, defend and represent older adults and their interests.”

The symposium will feature a panel discussion among several professionals involved in aging issues. The panelists are Cathy McConnell, executive director of West Virginia Senior Legal Aid; Millie Karlin, a local representative of the West Virginia Alzheimers Association; and Suzanne Messenger, a West Virginia regional long-term care ombudsman. The panelists will provide brief overviews of their careers in aging issues and take questions from the audience.

During the event, the Eberly College of Arts and Sciences will recognize Marian McQuade, a West Virginia native who has spent her life advocating for the rights of older adults. Among other achievements, she is the founder of the national observance of Grandparents Day. Her granddaughter, Mary Spearen, is a WVU freshmen majoring in psychology.

A reception will follow the event, which is free and open to the public.