Mission and History

We’re making a positive difference Our mission is to do work that makes a positive difference in the lives of aging individuals, their families and communities, and to meet the needs of aging societies. We accomplish this mission through excellence in Research, Education, and Service. We’re making a positive difference Our mission is to do work that makes a positive difference in the lives of aging individuals, their families and communities, and to meet the needs of aging societies. We accomplish this mission through excellence in Research, Education, and Service.

We have a history of visionary leadership

Portrait of E.W. Scripps

E.W. Scripps, who sought to “bring to the level of common understanding the whole range of human knowledge," founded the Scripps Foundation for Research in Population Problems at Miami University in 1922. For more than forty years, we remained in the forefront of the scientific study of population and fertility. In 1972, with an increasing expertise in aging related research, we became the Scripps Gerontology Center. We were among the first multi-disciplinary centers on aging funded by the U.S. Administration on Aging. In 2011, we were named an Ohio Center of Excellence by the Ohio Board of Regents in recognition of our work. With our centennial on the horizon, our accomplishments are the foundation for the boundless opportunities that lie ahead.

Making a difference

THEN AND NOW

Milestones

Director 1922-1953 Warren S. Thompson

1922
The Scripps Foundation for Research in Population Problems at Miami University was founded by E.W. Scripps.

1934
The New York Times publishes an article by Scripps researchers Thompson and Whelpton on predicted population change and economic implications.

1948
Scripps Foundation again gains more national attention with the publication of the Indianapolis Study–the first psycho-social study of fertility in the U.S.

Director 1953-1963 Pascal Whelpton

1961
Fred Cottrell serves on planning committee for the first White House Conference on Aging setting the stage for the passage of several major pieces of legislation for older Americans.

 

Director 1964-1974 Fred “Doc” Cottrell

1972
The Scripps Foundation for Research in Population Problems becomes the Scripps Gerontology Center.

 

Director 1974 - 1998 Robert C. Atchley

1976
Scripps is designated by the U.S. Administration on Aging as one of seven multidisciplinary centers on aging in the country.

1989
Scripps is appointed to lead the Ohio Long-Term Care Project by the Ohio General Assembly. This project provides critical information about older Ohioans and their long-term care needs.

 

Director 1998 - Present Suzanne R. Kunkel

2005
Miami University launches the PhD in Social Gerontology, becoming one of only a handful of institutions offering gerontology programs at the bachelor, master and doctoral levels.

2011

The Ohio Board of Regents names Scripps an Ohio Center of Excellence recognizing our capacity to strengthen the economy with “broad-minded scholars and creative, dynamic thinkers.”