On Friday, June 17, 2022, President Crawford announced the creation of a new award that will support future gerontology students. The Suzanne R. Kunkel Transformational Leadership in Aging Award will provide graduate students funds to support their travel to attend a professional conference or educational workshop that will allow them to advance their skills and knowledge about leadership and innovation in the field of aging. 

The award is dedicated to promoting and encouraging diversity among the next generation of emerging leaders in gerontology. 

“Suzanne is an insightful and creative leader in the field of aging,” said Professor of Gerontology Katy Abbott. “Her contributions to Scripps and the aging community are immeasurable, so it’s fitting that this award will honor and continue that legacy.”  

Suzanne Kunkel, Ph.D. retired June 30, 2022 after 42 years at Scripps and 24 years as Director. Her impact on gerontology has been considerable. Her research and service contributions to the field have been noteworthy; however, while her scholarly accomplishments have been widely recognized, it is her mentorship of students and staff that has been her greatest passion. This award will support the next generation of gerontologists. 

"I am so honored by this award in my name," Kunkel said. "Nothing could be more meaningful to me than providing support for new generations of leaders in the field of aging. Thanks from the bottom of my heart to those who set up this award, to those who have already contributed, and to those who will do so in the future."

Contribute to this fund

Donations can be mailed to: 

Suzanne R. Kunkel Transformational Leadership in Aging Award
Miami University Advancement Services
926 Chestnut Lane
Oxford, OH 45056

Online gifts can be made by visiting www.MiamiOH.edu/GivetoMU, clicking “give to Miami” in the upper right, and then selecting “give to the area(s)” of your choice under the “designation” field. Write “Suzanne Kunkel Award” in the comment box to ensure the gift goes to the proper fund.