Student Engagement

"STudents and ELderly Linking Around Relationships" (STELLAR) strives to develop positive relationships among students and elders within the community. The group focuses on changing negative stigmas associated with elders and students alike and replacing them with positive views of both. Through community-based activities the group creates a positive atmosphere and educates students of all majors on the needs of the elderly within the community along with informing them about the many opportunities for careers working with elders.

Our group is dedicated to bringing joy and companionship to older adults through a variety of activities, including:

• Visiting and organizing activities at senior living communities such as Solar Bron, Seton Residence, and West River.
• Participating in seasonal events, like delivering roses on Valentine’s Day, to brighten residents' days.
• Hosting bingo games and other interactive activities to foster social engagement among older adults in nursing homes or assisted living facilities.
• Supporting underserved senior communities by collecting donations and creating thoughtful gifts, such as handmade tie blankets.
• Providing companionship through phone calls or in-person visits to older adults in need of connection.

Sigma Phi Omega (SPO), the national academic honor and professional society in gerontology, was established in 1980 to recognize excellence of those who study gerontology and aging and the outstanding service of professionals who work with or on behalf of older persons. The formation of a society provides a much needed link between educators, practitioners, and administrators in various settings where older persons are served.

VALUE OF Sigma Phi Omega for students:

• Identifies and associates a person with excellence in the field of aging.
• Identifies leadership opportunities on the local and national level.
• Potential recognition through awards of academic excellence, civic engagement and professional works.
• Provides a leading edge for internships and jobs
• Networking opportunities
• Receive Quarterly newsletter

Student and Professional membership criteria:
Student membership:

• Majoring, minoring, or interest in gerontology/aging studies or  related field (such as social work, nursing, occupational therapy, biology, etc)
• Has completed at least one semester of schooling
• Undergraduates: GPA – 3.3 on a 4.0 scale
• Graduates: 3.5 on a 4.0 scale 

Professional membership:

• Provide degree and dates awarded as well as your employer and job title.
• Signature of USI Sigma Phi Omega faculty advisor

Membership Application Form is Online