The UCSF John A. Hartford Center for Gerontological Excellence has a great tradition of mentoring students and faculty to become leaders in the field of geriatrics and gerontology. Through the generosity of the Hartford Foundation and our donors, the Center is able to recruit an exceptional cadre of nurse scientists who provide the critically necessary academic leadership in teaching, research, and practice in geriatric nursing.   Additionally, this support allows experienced faculty to work with Masters students, giving them the theory and practical skills they need to provide the best care for older adults and their caregivers. 

Over the years of Harford Foundation support and with its encouragement, we have looked at ways to build our Center, promote inter-professional research and practice, and provide leadership training and professional development opportunities. The success of this work is reflected in the various stories presented in this newsletter.  However, as we look to the future, with the Hartford Foundation’s funding support sunsetting, we need to further expand our thinking about how to sustain our activities and call on the guidance, input and support of our donors and friends.   Many of you are past students, alumni and faculty and have great ideas about what might work for sustaining the Center.  We welcome all ideas and look forward to brainstorming new and creative opportunities for continuing our mission to educate leaders in the field of geriatric nursing education and practice.

Additionally, every contribution to the Hartford Fund, of any size, is very important.  You may direct your gift to the Center Sustaining Fund, which supports the ongoing work of the HCGNE, or to the Jeanie Schmit Kayser-Jones  Scholarship fund, which supports student scholarships and leadership activities.

 We thank you for your generosity and for your ideas. 

Margaret I. Wallhagen, PhD, GNP-BC, AGSF, FAAN

Director, HCGNE

Tel: 415-476-4965

Email: [email protected]