James McKenney was a Mainer, born in Maine, resided there for most of his life and died in his home February 2015. With no formal advanced education, Jim was recognized for building the first super insulated home, a self-taught project in engineering. Jim highly valued education. When his friend, Marilyn R. Gugliucci, PhD, was serving as AGHE president 2008-2010, Jim established a planned giving gift for AGHE – 20% of his estate would be donated upon his death for advancing student education on aging.
The James McKenney Student Travel Award provides travel funds for students to attend the AGHE programing at the GSA Annual Scientific Meeting. Award recipients also receive other benefits incluing complimentary meeting registration and a one-year GSA membership. Approximately 10 students will be selected to receive this award each year.
Submission Period: Summer 2025
Eligibility Criteria:
- Applicants must be a US or internationally matriculated student (undergraduate through post-doctoral training) interested in gerontology/geriatrics - the field of aging (matriculation defined as being enrolled as of September for either a semester of the full academic year of the year of the Travel Award).
- AGHE membership status is not required although applications from students at AGHE member institutions or who have selected AGHE as their primary membership group are encouraged.
- If selected, an applicant must attend at least 2 days of the GSA Annual Meeting with mandatory attendance at the AGHE Business Meeting and ESPO Presidential Symposium. Attending mentoring sessions is encouraged.
- Award recipients will be recognized at the AGHE Business Meeting.
- At the close of the GSA Annual Meeting, awardees will be required to:
- Complete at 50-100 word Post Annual Meeting Statement of Learning outlining what the most significant learning experience was from attending the Annual Meeting. This statement will be published in the AGHExchange newsletter.
- Post in the AGHE Connect Community to introduce themselves and share about their area of study.
Self Nomination Process
- 250-word essay that addresses the question: “How will your participation in the GSA/AGHE Annual Meeting enhance your contribution to the field of aging?”
- A current Curriculum Vitae
- An updated headshot for use in marketing materials if selected
Nature of the Award
- One year of GSA membership
- Pre-paid student registration for the Annual Meeting
- Pre-paid ticket for the AGHE Business Meeting Breakfast
- A travel stipend paid after the Annual Meeting to offset travel, lodging, and/or meals expenses.