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