Sigma Phi Omega - Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology

10/07/2025

coming soon..the new Sigma Phi Omega website...are you a member?

04/08/2025

Sigma Phi Omega was well represented at the SGS Conference in Birmingham this past weekend.

02/16/2025

Join us on March 4th for our next MGS Webinar: Acute Hospital at Home. We have an amazing group of presenters and this is sure to be a great webinar.

Register Today! https://mngero.org/event-6057168

01/30/2025

Dear Sigma Phi Omega Member,

SPO is pleased to let you know that SPO Board Member & Award Nominations, as well as SGS Conference Registration, are now open. Also, be sure to visit us on social media. We have the Sigma Phi Omega LinkedIn page and on Facebook at facebook.com/spogerontology/. Post your chapter news and other updates with members across the world. We will also post important information for our members.

We Need You!

Nominations are now open to join the leadership team of Sigma Phi Omega. We are seeking nominations for the following positions on the executive board: President-elect, member-at-large, and emeritus fellow. Information on nominations can be found here: https://sigmaphiomega.org/about-us/board-nominations/.

· Self-nominations are welcomed.

· We seek energetic, creative, and dedicated members for this working board.

· Nominations close on February 28th.

SPO AWARDS:

We have three excellent award opportunities this year and we hope you will consider nominating yourself/your chapter for one or more. All include a $200 cash award to the individual or chapter, depending on the type of submission. Only active members and chapters are eligible to apply. If you are inactive, renew your membership today.

· Award Category 1: The SPO Service Award recognizes a chapter’s exceptional service to older adults.
· Award Category 2: The SPO Media Award recognizes a chapter’s outstanding visual efforts to inform others about aging.
· Award Category 3: The SPO President's Student Paper Award recognizes outstanding research and writing by an SPO student member.

Visit the Sigma Phi Omega website for information: https://sigmaphiomega.org/awards/

Deadline to submit is 11:59pm; Thursday, February 28, 2025.

Southern Gerontological Society (SGS) Conference Registration:

Our 2025 annual Membership Business & Awards Meeting will be held during the 46th annual SGS Conference being held in Birmingham, AL; April 3-6, 2025. Members of Sigma Phi Omega can register for this conference using the code “SPO” at check-out for the SGS member registration fee. Full conference and 1-day rates available. You will need to note in the text box that you are a member of Sigma Phi Omega. Register by March 1st for early-bird rates.

Please email [email protected] with any questions you might have. Please share this information and flyer widely with your SPO Chapter and members. We look forward to recognizing excellence in the field of gerontology.

Best,
Amanda E. Sokan
SPO President

SPO recognizes contributions made to undergraduate and graduate education experiences and the contributions of professional members to the well-being of older adults through the following awards: Service Project Award $200 […]

12/31/2024

Did you know that Sigma Phi Omega has a Virtual/International Chapter?
Join the Sigma Phi Omega Virtual/International Chapter: A Global Network for Gerontology Professionals
Are you passionate about advancing your career in gerontology and building connections with like-minded professionals worldwide? If so, the Sigma Phi Omega (SPO) Virtual/International Chapter offers a unique opportunity to expand your network, enhance your skills, and make a meaningful impact in the field of aging.

As the premier professional organization for students, scholars, and practitioners in gerontology, SPO provides a vibrant community that extends far beyond traditional boundaries. Whether you're just starting your journey in gerontology or looking to deepen your expertise, the Virtual/International Chapter is a valuable resource that can support your growth and success.

Sigma Phi Omega offers student, faculty, professional, emeritus, and honorary memberships. Membership category descriptions and eligibility requirements are listed here: Membership Eligibility Please follow the steps below to apply for […]

11/07/2024

https://www.johnahartford.org/dissemination-center/view/national-family-caregivers-month-2024

Every November, National Family Caregivers Month recognizes and honors family and friend caregivers. JAHF joins the Caregiver Action Network, the Administration for Community Living, our grantees and other partners in the month-long campaign to raise awareness of caregiving issues, educate communiti...

11/07/2024

November 2024

Cynthia Hancock, PhD, FAGHE, FSGS, FSPO
Emeritus Fellow Board Member
Director, UNC Charlotte Gerontology
Dear SPO Members,
Happy Fall! I am writing this as we have just had Halloween and now turn our thoughts to Thanksgiving. I’m mindful that this is a stressful time for our country. We are facing an unprecedented election and many of us are truly passionate about the candidates in which we believe. What to do? I truly believe that the most important thing we can do is resist isolation and division and turn to building strong community. Research from Harvard University consistently points to the importance of social relationships for well being. Yes, health is nice. Yes, money helps us pay the bills. Yes, a vacation in the islands is beautiful. But those with whom we are in relationship might just top them all in terms of well-being.
To that end, I have a challenge for each SPO chapter. This academic year I challenge each chapter to bring on one new chapter member who is a community professional. Did you know that there is a Professional Member category for SPO members? These professional members join the chapter that is geographically closest to them. Why might this be important? Community members bring a wealth of experience, mentoring capabilities, and a different perspective to chapter work. They are also our students’ future professional peers.
So will you join me in this challenge? We can’t wait to hear how you have met this challenge. You can always report your chapter news to our SPO administrative support associate at [email protected]. Happy fall and remember to take a deep breath when things feel overwhelming. I will remember too.

10/31/2024

sigmaphiomega.org/event/african-american-caregivers-forum/

Featuring SGS President, Dr. Ethlyn McQueen-Gibson Join our SGS President, Dr. Ethlyn Gibson, DNP, MSN, RN-BC and other esteemed scholars for a day filled with insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and […]

10/16/2024

September 2024
Diane Martin, PhD, MSL, MA
Sigma Phi Omega Immediate Past-President

AGEISM AWARENESS WEEK CHALLENGE: LET'S TAKE ACTION!
In honor of Ageism Awareness Week, Sigma Phi Omega is excited to announce a special “Ageism Awareness and Action” Challenge for all our Sigma Phi Omega chapters. This challenge is an opportunity for each of us to raise awareness about ageism and take meaningful steps toward promoting a more inclusive society.
In recognition of National Ageism Awareness Day 2024— Wednesday, October 9, 2024, the executive board of Sigma Phi Omega challenges every chapter to create and implement an initiative that addresses ageism in their communities. The goal is to educate, advocate, and engage others in the fight against ageism. is Here are some ways your chapter can get involved:
Host a Workshop or Webinar on ageism, featuring discussions about its impact and solutions.
Launch a Social Media Campaign using the hashtag , where you can share facts, stories, and calls to action.
Facilitate Intergenerational Conversations that bring together younger and older generations to discuss shared experiences and combat stereotypes.
Advocate for Age-Inclusive Policies by writing to local government officials or institutions.
Partner with Local Organizations to work on a project that promotes inclusivity for older adults.
What's in it for Your Chapter?
A chance to win a $200 prize for your chapter. Each chapter is encouraged to share their activities, successes, and challenges by video or in writing and with pictures and enter to win of either the Video award or Service Project award. For more information about these awards, visit the Sigma Phi Omega awards page on our website: https://sigmaphiomega.org/awards/
The entry portal will open in November. The deadline to submit entries for these awards will be February 2025. Winners will be announced at the annual Sigma Phi Omega Business & Awards meeting in April. More information will be provided once the portal opens for entries.
We encourage you to be creative and bold in your approach! This is an incredible opportunity to make a difference in your local community and help reshape the conversation around aging.
How to Get Started:
Plan your activities for Ageism Awareness Week using the ideas above or others you feel passionate about.
Engage your chapter members and encourage them to actively participate.
Document your initiative by video, words, and pictures
Have your initiative posted on our social media sites! Send videos and pictures to us at [email protected]
Prepare and submit your entry to our awards portal for a chance to win $200 for your chapter.
Together, we can lead the way in challenging ageism and creating a society that respects and values people of all ages. We look forward to seeing the incredible work each of you will do!

SPO recognizes contributions made to undergraduate and graduate education experiences and the contributions of professional members to the well-being of older adults through the following awards: Service Project Award $200 […]

02/28/2023

Spotlight on: Yale School of Public Health/ Social Gerontology and Health Lab!
https://loom.ly/SL_t7c8

Learn more about the Lab here >>>>> https://loom.ly/d_ESPgI

As the global population ages, people providing care for more than one family member or close other across adulthood is becoming increasingly common. Yet little

02/28/2023

Do you or a loved one have a pacemaker, defibrillator, or CRT device?
Check out new research at the University of Utah!

https://loom.ly/K77XHHE

University of Utah study shows certain wearable gadgets could interfere with implantable cardiac electronic devices.

03/21/2022

Celebrate Careers in Aging Week!
"Aging isn't just a Job or Career - It's a passion"
with Denise Streets, MPH, MAT

April 11, 2022, at 7:00pm EST via Zoom