The Gerontology Institute was pleased to host Bern Nadette Stanis as our distinguished speaker for the 2017 Barbara Payne Lectureship in Gerontology. Bern Nadette Stanis is not only a talented actress but also a prolific writer. Today, Bern Nadette Stanis travels the world as the author of three books. Her most recent work, The Last Night: A Caregiver’s Journey, profiles the walk of a loving daughter with a beloved mother diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. It was created to inspire caregivers all around the world. Her presentation detailed the importance of remembering the lives of those who are suffering from this awful disease and embracing the caregivers who are by their sides. During her stay with us at Georgia State University, Ms. Stanis had the opportunity to be the honored guest at the Gerontology Institute’s annual Meet the Scholar Event and was able to casually speak with Gerontology students as well as students within different disciplinary backgrounds throughout Georgia State University. This luncheon provided Ms. Stanis the opportunity to talk and expand on her experience as a caregiver as well as answer any questions the students had. Ms. Stanis’ Payne Lecture presentation was entitled: “Remembering the Good Times: A Caregiver’s Journey.” This event capped off the day at Centennial Hall, with an engaging lecture followed by a reception and book signing with Ms. Stanis. In addition, guests were able to learn more about a variety of community resources including the Georgia Chapter Alzheimer’s Association. Faculty, staff, students and alumni enjoyed this opportunity to meet with Ms. Stanis and the community guests in order to highlight the issue of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and the unique struggles for African American Caregivers.
