Reynolds College Blog

Gerontology students partner with historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees

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To put into practice community engagement — a pillar of the Missouri State University public affairs mission — students in two gerontology courses help with the historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees, which are geared toward senior citizens.

The courses, Mental Health and Aging (GER/PSY 370) and Social Forces and Aging (GER/SOC 375), offer experiential learning and community engagement opportunities to students.

According to Dr. Lisa Hall, associate professor and gerontology program coordinator, the partnership began in the spring 2023 semester and 29 MSU students have participated so far.

The Midweek Matinees take place every Wednesday. [Read more…] about Gerontology students partner with historic Gillioz Theatre Midweek Matinees

Gerontology program hosts 27th annual Senior Art Exhibition

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Hosted by Missouri State University’s gerontology program, the 27th annual Senior Art Exhibition will run from March 6-April 3 at the Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts.

Guests can view the selected pieces from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. March 6-April 3 on the fourth and fifth floors of Hammons Hall. The event is free and open to all.

Mark your calendar for the Senior Art Exhibition

The juried fine arts exhibition allows visual artists aged 60 or older to submit two original entries completed in the last three years, framed and prepared for hanging. Artists also have opportunities to sell their artwork.

The exhibition is co-sponsored by Jean and Jerry Sanders, Studio 55 Arts Guild, Robert (Butch) Purvis from Corebridge Financial Services and Copy This.

Founded in 1996 by Dr. Bradley Fisher, faculty emeritus and former gerontology program coordinator at MSU, this Senior Art Exhibition creates opportunities for older adults to be seen and heard.

“It’s a stereotype that old age causes irrelevance, inactivity, uninventiveness and the inability to try new things. This exhibition is our contribution to celebrating creativity in later life and giving seniors a medium to showcase their art,” Fisher said.

Planning the exhibition demands a high level of commitment and creativity from everyone involved, according to Dr. Lisa Hall, professor and gerontology program coordinator,

“Dr. Fisher has been planning this exhibition since September, artists could have been working on a piece for months or even years before they submit it and students who volunteer dedicate themselves throughout the duration of the program,” Hall said. [Read more…] about Gerontology program hosts 27th annual Senior Art Exhibition

Public Affairs Essay Contest winners announced

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Six MSU students were recognized for their outstanding essays at the ninth annual Dr. Michael N. Compton Public Affairs Essay Contest awards ceremony Nov. 16, 2023.

Essays addressed the 2023-24 public affairs theme, “Navigating the Now: Tradition, Innovation and Wisdom in a World of Change.”

Political science major Timothy G. Wellman earned first place for his essay, “When may quitting, pivoting, or falling back be the best steps forward?”

Wellman received a cash prize of $1500, and an additional $500 was donated in his name to Children’s Hope International, his charity of choice.

Second place winners were junior economics major Ashley Foster and junior biology major Alyssa Xiong. Foster and Xiong each received a $300 MSU Bookstore gift card, sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Philosophy.

Senior psychology major Olivia Grandberry, senior political science and biology major Oliver Grace and freshman English education major Jordan Fleske each received a cash prize of $125 for their third place entries.

[Read more…] about Public Affairs Essay Contest winners announced