"The curriculum has augmented my level of understanding and appreciation on the components of successful aging. It has strengthened my own conviction on several attributes and their connection with aging well like resilience, which indeed has a positive relationship to aging successfully...Learning from experience holds great value; however, the coursework in the Gerontology program underscores the framework necessary for building and sustaining good health policy and for the core competencies related to aging. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to be a member of this learning collaborative as we work to enhance our learned professions."
- Nicole Fedeli Turiano
"The Graduate Certificate in Gerontology Program has provided opportunities to improve my understanding of our growing aging population. Course content, teachers and fellow students have helped me better recognize the types of health care services and delivery options that may be most effective in improving the quality of life for the vulnerable, while addressing growing cost and access challenges. As an IT professional in the post-acute setting, I have found the program gives a chance to look at projects and issues through a slightly different lens. I am hopeful that I can contribute to the synergies of a renowned health system that grows in conjunction with the research and teaching of the University of Pittsburgh."
- Edward Zak
"I began with a personal passion for working with older adults who did not have a strong professional basis, and now I enter the professional world feeling capable and confident due to the knowledge I gained in my classes. My experience enhanced my ability to interact with older adults and their families. The courses provided me with academic knowledge and with real-world skills that I put into practice daily in my social work position at Senior LIFE Ebensburg. The Gerontology program is an excellent foundation for taking the personal and transitioning it seamlessly into the professional."
- Brenna Garda
"After being out of the workforce for years, classes gave me updated knowledge that used evidence-based research to examine aging. As a former nurse I wanted to work with professors who conducted behavioral and community health research. I felt comfortable merging my practical skills with my newly learned science-based knowledge. I´m also a board member of a non-profit that provides community services to low economic elderly residents, so I like the ability to critically read literature, as well as learning how to find hidden resources."
- Johanna Sholder