STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The Gerontology Institute offers many ways for students, faculty, and alumni to serve older adults and become civically engaged in the Atlanta area and beyond. Past service projects include, for example, The Alzheimer’s Association’s “Walk to End Alzheimer’s” and the annual “Rally for Seniors” at the State Capitol. For more information about specific ways you can serve in the community, contact us.
Students also get involved in and give back to the community through student-run organizations. The two organizations below are involved in service activities regularly throughout the school year.
Adopt-A-Grandparent
Adopt-A-Grandparent at Georgia State University
The Adopt-A-Grandparent Program at Georgia State University is a unique and exciting student organization. Our mission is to promote intergenerational communication and relationships. In order to do so, we engage college students and older adults through weekly visits and monthly events. As a member, students will “adopt” a grandparent as well as attend exciting events throughout the semester. We are currently partnered with Atria Buckhead, which gives opportunities for our members to interact and build a friendship with residents in the long-term care unit. Adopt-a-Grandparent was founded by a Georgia State Gerontology alumni, Meagan Jain, who has also founded a non-profit in our community with similar aims of bringing social connections through the arts to older adults called Ageless Interaction.
Contact Adopt-A-Grandparent
If anyone is interested in joining Adopt-A-Grandparent or finding more information, please visit and connect with us on Facebook, look us up on Orgsync, or email us at [email protected]. All of our members are passionate about older adults and would love to talk to anyone who may be interested.
Adopt-A-Grandparent’s Officers
Director: Calina Clark
Vice President: Eric “Spencer” Brown
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer Craft Morgan
Sigma Phi Omega
Sigma Phi Omega (SPO) is the National Academic Honor and Professional Society in Gerontology. The society has been promoting scholarship, professionalism, friendship, and service to older persons since 1980. It is the only society of its kind in the nation.
Alpha Omega Chapter
GSU’s SPO chapter, Alpha Omega, is dedicated to helping GSU gerontology students and Atlanta seniors. Alpha Om is involved in community service for seniors as well as events that help students network with gerontology professionals. Alpha Omega members participate in many activities, including: Be There 4 Seniors rallies at the Capitol, National Careers in Aging Week, and the Barbara Payne Lecture series. Join today and be part of the action!
Student Eligibility
- Enrolled in either undergraduate or graduate studies
- Enrolled in at least your second semester of school
- A GPA of at least 3.3
Contact Alpha Omega
Contact Us
The Gerontology Institute
Office Hours (Available Remotely):
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5:15 p.m.
Office Hours (In Person):
Thursdays
12:30 - 4:00 p.m.
And by Appointment
Office/Delivery Address
25 Park Place, 17th Floor,
Atlanta, GA 30303