Professional Awards
- Researcher of the Year
- Educator of the Year
- Practitioner of the Year
- Lifetime Achievement Award
- Submit Nomination
Researcher of the Year
The OAGE Researcher Award recognizes individuals who work and/or live in Ohio and whose research has improved services for older adults in Ohio or has advanced knowledge in gerontology and/or related disciplines that support the expansion of research in the aging field in Ohio or nationally.
Nomination Process:
Nominations must be made by an OAGE member. Submit an online nomination with:
- A nomination letter explaining how the nominee’s research has improved services for older adults, advanced knowledge of aging, or supported the expansion of research in the aging field in Ohio and/or nationally.
- The nominee’s current curriculum vitae
Nature of Award:
- The awardee receives an engraved plaque and is recognized at the annual conference.
- The awardee is expected to present at the following year’s annual conference.
- The awardee is strongly encouraged to nominate at least one potential candidate for the Researcher of the Year following their award year.
2025 Researcher of the Year
Christopher Nguyen, PhD, ABPP
Director of Neuropsychology, Director of Office of Geriatrics and Gerontology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine
Educator of the Year
The OAGE Educator Award recognizes individuals who work and/or live in Ohio and whose aging-related teaching has either improved services to older adults in Ohio or has advanced gerontological education and training for students and practitioners.
Nomination Process:
Nominations must be made by an OAGE member. Submit an online nomination with:
- A nomination letter explaining how the nominee has used educational programs to improve services to older adults in Ohio or advanced gerontological education and training for students and/or practitioners.
- The nominee’s current curriculum vitae
Nature of Award:
- The awardee receives an engraved plaque and is recognized at the annual conference.
- The awardee is expected to present at the following year’s annual conference.
- The awardee is strongly encouraged to nominate at least one potential candidate for the Educator of the Year following their award year.
2025 Educator of the Year
Cynthia Spitler, PhD
College of Health and Human Services, Bowling Green State University
Practitioner of the Year
The OAGE Practitioner Award recognizes individuals/organizations who work and/or live in Ohio and whose work either has improved services to older adults through research and evaluation or has developed noteworthy partnerships with institutions of higher learning (e.g., universities, community colleges, technical schools) for the betterment of older adults in Ohio.
Nomination Process:
Nominations must be made by an OAGE member. Submit an online nomination with:
- A nomination letter explaining how the nominee has improved services to older adults through research and evaluation or developed noteworthy partnerships with institutions of higher learning for the betterment of older Ohioans.
- The nominee’s current curriculum vitae
Nature of Award:
- The awardee receives an engraved plaque and is recognized at the annual conference.
- The awardee is expected to present at the following year’s annual conference.
- The awardee is strongly encouraged to nominate at least one potential candidate for the Practitioner of the Year following their award year.
Lifetime Achievement Award
The OAGE Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who have made prolonged significant contributions to the aging field or have improved the lives of older adults in Ohio and/or nationally. This award is merit-based and is not given every year.
Nomination Process:
Nominations must be made by an OAGE member. Submit an online nomination with:
- A nomination letter explaining the nominee’s contributions to the aging field or to improving the lives of older adults in Ohio and/or nationally.
- The nominee’s current resume
Nature of Award:
- The awardee receives an engraved plaque and is recognized at the annual conference.
- The awardee is invited to present at the following year’s annual conference.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award Recipient
Jennifer Kinney, PhD
Professor, Sociology and Gerontology, Miami University
Submit a Nomination
Celebrate Excellence in Aging: Submit for the 2026 Professional Awards
Each year, we honor the trailblazers, educators, and practitioners who are shaping the future of aging. The 2026 Professional Awards in Aging recognize outstanding contributions across research, education, practice, and lifelong impact. If you—or someone you know—has made a meaningful difference in the field, we invite you to submit a nomination and help us spotlight excellence.
Award Categories:
- Researcher of the Year Celebrating groundbreaking research that advances our understanding of aging and improves lives across generations.
- Educator of the Year Honoring those who inspire and prepare the next generation of aging professionals through innovative teaching and mentorship.
- Practitioner of the Year Recognizing hands-on excellence in service delivery, advocacy, and care that transforms aging experiences in real-world settings.
- Lifetime Achievement Award Paying tribute to a career of sustained impact, leadership, and dedication to the field of aging.
Submission Deadline: January 31, 2026 Award Announcements: Early March 2026
Why Submit?
- Gain national recognition for your work
- Join a distinguished community of aging professionals
- Inspire others through your achievements
- Elevate the visibility of your organization or institution
Nominate Today
Whether you're a colleague, student, or peer, your nomination can help honor those who are making aging better for all. Submit your application or nomination now and be part of this celebration of excellence.
If you have any questions regarding the OAGE Professional Awards, please contact Dr. Jessica Krok-Schoen, Chair of the Awards Committee via email: Jessica.Schoen@osumc.edu
