Scholarships
The 2024 scholarship application is now open
Deadline to submit is March 15, 2024 - SUBMIT APPLICATION HERE
The mission of the Minnesota Gerontological Society (MGS) is to bridge research and practice in the field of aging, with emphasis on developing and supporting tomorrow’s leaders. To meet this mission, MGS has created three scholarship funds and annually awards financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students studying in a field related to gerontology or geriatric health in Minnesota. 100% of donations to these funds support scholarships.
(Scroll down for Scholarship Recipients)
Robert L. and Rosalie A. Kane Scholarship Fund
This scholarship fund was established to honor the lives and tireless advocacy work of Robert L. and Rosalie A. Kane. The Kane Scholarship fund was jump-started by a contribution from an anonymous donor less than a month before Robert Kane’s sudden death on March 6, 2017. Rosalie passed on May 5, 2020. Upon their arrival in Minnesota in 1985, both were active members of MGS. In 2003, they were co-awardees as Gerontologist of the Year because of their leadership in long term care and dedication to improving and transforming care systems for older adults. The first Kane scholarship was awarded in 2018.
Robert L. Kane, MD, was the Minnesota Chair of Aging and Long Term Care at the University of Minnesota’s School of Public Health where he was a professor for more than thirty years. He was a distinguished researcher, author, and dedicated advocate for better management of chronic illnesses and improved delivery of long term care. Rosalie A. Kane, Ph.D., was a professor of social work and public health for more than 45 years and spent more than three decades at the University of Minnesota where she worked up until the time of her death. A pioneer in her field, Rosalie’s academic work focused on case management, community-based care, and transforming long term care systems to be more person-centered. She was a relentless champion for the rights of seniors and adults with disabilities to self-advocate. Rosalie was a prolific author, unafraid to challenge established norms in her work.
Donate to the Robert L. and Rosalie A. Kane Scholarship Fund
Elva Walker Spillane Scholarship Fund
MGS created this scholarship fund in 2014 to memorialize the life and work of Elva Walker Spillane. Elva dedicated her life to service and advocacy in the field of aging services. She was a founding member and former President of MGS, founding member and served eight years on the Minnesota Board on Aging, volunteered her leadership on the Boards of the National Council on Aging and AARP, and tirelessly supported many more local, state and national organizations.
Donate to the Elva Walker Scholarship Fund
Gerald Bloedow Scholarship Fund
In 1994, MGS established the Bloedow Scholarship fund to honor the lifelong contributions of Gerald Bloedow to the field of aging and to provide financial assistance to undergraduate and graduate students to further their education in gerontology.
Gerald Bloedow was Director of the Minnesota Board on Aging from 1966 until 1994. Prior to this he directed many community organization projects for the Governor’s Citizen Council on Aging. Gerald was a founding member of MGS in 1976. The fund was established by Elva Walker Spillane and Ann Wood to honor the lifelong contributions of Gerald Bloedow to the field of aging and to provide assistance to students in this field.
Donate to the Gerald Bloedow Scholarship Fund
Robert & Rosalie Kane Scholarship Recipients (began in 2018)
Elva Walker Spillane Scholarship Recipients (began in 2014)
Gerald Bloedow Scholarship Recipients (began in 1994)