Dutch Kastenbaum Outstanding Gerontologist Award
The Minnesota Gerontological Society established the Outstanding Gerontologist Award in 1984 to recognize individuals who have contributed to lives of older persons throughout Minnesota. Contributions can be made to the field of aging through practice, research, or academics. In 1998 the award was renamed the Dutch Kastenbaum Award to honor Abraham “Dutch” Kastenbaum. Kastenbaum was trained as a social worker, and was a champion in beginning service programs for older people. He later became a celebrity with his weekly television show, Senior Citizen’s Forum, which ran for almost 25 years. To honor his memory, the Minnesota Gerontological Society receives nominations each year to recognize outstanding gerontologists.
2025 Gerontologist of the Year:
Rona J. Karasik, Ph.D. & Rajean Moone, Ph.D.
Past Award Winners
- 2024 Dr. Tetyana Shippee
- 2023 Pat Samples
- 2022 Tom Hyder and Sue Humphers-Ginther
- 2021 Lori Vrolson
- 2020 John Brose
- 2019 George Schoephoerster
- 2018 Patti Cullen
- 2017 Helen Kivnick
- 2016 Olivia Mastry
- 2015: Jean K. Wood and Jim Tift
- 2014: Elaine Carlson
- 2013: Dawn Simonson
- 2012: Edward Ratner
- 2011: Phyllis Greenberg
- 2010: Hal Freshley
- 2009: Gayle Kvenvold
- 2008: Janet Hively
- 2007: Maddy Forsberg
- 2006: Jeanette Metz
- 2005: Marion Goepner
- 2004: Maria R. Gomez
- 2003: Robert and Rosalie Kane
- 2002: John Selstad
- 2001: Warren Wolfe
- 2000: Larhae Knatterud
- 1999: Pamela Parker
- 1998: Ken Hepburn
- 1997: Janet Woodhull and Iris Freeman
- 1996: Gerald Bloedow
- 1995: Abraham Kastenbaum
- 1994: Muriel Ryden
- 1993: Donna Walberg and Steven Miles
- 1992: Donald McTavish and David Knopmaan
- 1991: Doug Hanneman
- 1990: Nancy N. Eustis
- 1989: Elva Walker
- 1988: Raye Kreevoy and Cynthia Polich
- 1985: Grace Warfield and Norm Bourestom
- 1984: Etta Saloshin
