Professional Awards

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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

2025 Practitioner of the Year

Tom Durbin, LNHA

Executive Director, Ohio Living Rockynol

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:

1. 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.
2. 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

The nominations for the 2025 Professional Awards are now closed. Information regarding the 2026 Professional Award nominations and application process will open in early Fall 2025.

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