June 2026
Amanda E. Sokan, PhD, LL.B
Immediate Past President
Time truly flies. As the sun sets on my term as “caretaker” SPO president—a journey that began in late October 2024 after the incumbent president’s resignation—I reflect with gratitude on what we’ve accomplished together. For instance, during this period we got the long-awaited update to the SPO website (shepherded by SPO Admin., Gerry Trupia), making it more user-friendly, accessible, and technically robust. We hosted our inaugural town hall-style meeting for chapter advisors on Zoom to amplify members’ voices and contributions to the mission’s direction, welcomed new and reinstated chapters, and renewed our focus on building the professional arm of our organization. After all, we are Sigma Phi Omega: The International Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology!
These milestones are part of the Sigma Phi Omega 2.0 – Renewed, Refreshed, Re-energized Initiative, which advances a vision and mission relevant to our times while honoring our history. I am deeply grateful to my wonderful colleagues—SPO board members, administrative staff, chapter advisors, and all our members—whose commitment and energy have propelled this initiative forward.
Welcome to Our New Board Members
It is my pleasure to extend a warm welcome to our newly elected board members. Dr. Tara Mastro joins the board as Member-at-large, and Ms. Tracy Wang as the new Student Representative, a position previously held by Ms. Erreannau, who is now board Secretary. We deeply appreciate your willingness to serve and dedication to advancing SPO’s mission. As we move forward, your fresh perspectives and enthusiasm will be invaluable in shaping our organization’s future.
Please visit our leadership page showing photos, names, and positions of our new and continuing board members. (https://sigmaphiomega.org/leadership/)
I encourage everyone to reach out, connect, and support our SPO board members. Together, we will continue to build on our strong foundation and advance the field of gerontology.
I am especially excited to hand over the reins to Dr. Aaron Hagedorn, our incoming SPO President. Over the past year, we have worked closely together, and I am confident in the knowledge, talent, and passion Dr. Hagedorn will bring to the role. SPO is in great hands!
It has been both a pleasure and an honor to serve as President. SPO has held a special place in my heart since my first experience as a student member in 2007—a welcoming, affirming, and vibrant community committed to gerontological excellence in all its forms. Our organization remains relevant, even more so now than ever. I encourage everyone to step up, recommit, or continue supporting and participating in SPO. There is so much we can do and so much value we can bring. The time is now—to renew our SPO tradition, refresh our community, and re-energize gerontology. With a phenomenal leader in Aaron Hagedorn, a dedicated board, and committed staff, all we need is YOU!
Here’s to a wonderful future for SPO!
Have a fantastic summer!
In service and community,
Amanda E. Sokan, PhD, MHA, LL.B
Outgoing President, Sigma Phi Omega
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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:
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://deepskyblue-magpie-968235.hostingersite.com/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:
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!
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Happy Holidays SPO Family!
In this season of warmth and joy, I find myself reflecting on the importance of staying connected with those who hold a special place in our hearts. I invite you to join me in making the holidays truly meaningful by sharing precious moments with your friends and family. Take time to strengthen family bonds, create lasting memories, and appreciate the wisdom and experiences of the older adults in your life.
Engaging in activities like listening to stories, cooking together, or simply sharing quiet moments reinforces the value of intergenerational relationships. These moments not only bring joy and laughter but also serve as a bridge between generations, fostering understanding and a sense of continuity.
In our fast-paced world, it is easy to get caught up in our to-do lists and the festivities of the season. But the gift of time is most precious. I hope we can all slow down and prioritize the older adults in our lives in meaningful ways. Let us be present and attentive listeners, offer a helping hand, and express gratitude for the love and guidance they’ve provided us throughout the years.
I wish you and your loved ones a holiday season filled with love, connection, and cherished moments.
As we look ahead to 2024, I want to call your attention to our next conference collaboration:
The 2024 Southern Gerontological Society conference will be held April 2-6 at the Hyatt Regency in Greenville, S.C.
Abstract Submissions
Your abstracts for presentations are due at 11:59PM on Monday, January 8th! Apply here: https://southerngerontologicalsociety.org/meeting-abstracts.html
Conference Registration
Registration is open, with an early bird discount in effect through February 24. SPO members receive SGS member rates. SPO students receive the SGS student rate. Check out more conference-specific information, including the conference domains which are timely and relevant, on the conference page here: https://southerngerontologicalsociety.org/meeting.html
Other questions
Questions about the conference? Please call or email Amanda James at
866.920.4660 or admin@southerngerontologicalsociety.org
Awards
Both SPO and SGS have a variety of awards. The nominations deadlines extend into the new year. Learn about the SPO awards here: https://deepskyblue-magpie-968235.hostingersite.com/awards/
Diane Martin, PhD
