RELEASE- Morgan State Hosts 2nd Annual Conference on Gerontology

The Department of Social Work's Gerontology Program will host its 2nd Annual Gerontology Conference at Morgan State University on Friday, March 28 - Saturday, March 29, 2003. This year's theme, "Intergenerational Arms - Part Two," will examine a wide spectrum of elderly experiences and issues. Dr. E. Percil Stanford, director of the AARP's Seattle Field Operations Office, will be the keynote speaker. The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings is expected to attend Friday's keynote address, followed by a reception, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. All workshops will be held on Saturday from 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.

"This conference will address a variety of "intergenerational" topics, such as grandparents who are raising their grandchildren, and adult children who are taking care of their elders," says Dr. June P. Murray, director of Morgan's Gerontology Program. "We want our audience to understand the role of the extended family and how they are embracing one another."

Saturday's workshops will focus on legal issues that affect the elderly and their adult children, how to care for the caregiver, lessons on how the elderly can avoid being scammed, and environmental issues concerning how seniors can protect themselves and safeguard their homes. There will also be a fitness-oriented workshop where seniors can learn how to exercise to music, and the fourth session of a film festival will feature the film "Driving Miss Daisy."

The Reverend Dr. Willamae Kilkenny, who founded Morgan's Gerontology Program 16 years ago, will receive an inaugural award in appreciation for her service and dedication to seniors in the community. The award is named for her, and will be given annually to a new recipient.

The conference is being held at the Carl J. Murphy Fine Arts Center, Recital Hall, located at 2100 Argonne Drive. The conference is free to the public, and the facility is wheel chair accessible. The event is sponsored by the Morgan State University Geriatric Enrichment Project, with funding from the John A. Hartford Foundation.