Annual Awards

The Beard Center on Aging at Lynchburg College annually recognizes three local gerontology professionals for going above and beyond to serve older adults in Region 2000. Awards include the Professional Caregiver of the Year, the Outstanding Geriatric Nursing Professional of the Year, and the Outstanding Contribution to Positive Aging. Winners are selected from a committee of peers who are members of the Consortium on Aging.

Make a Nomination! The deadline for all 2013 entries is April 10, 2013.

This is a great time to recognize persons who go above and beyond the call of duty every day to make a difference in the lives of the older citizens they serve.

Below is information about how to submit nominations for awards. Call the Beard Center at 434.544.8456 or email scruggs.dr@lynchburg.edu with additional questions.

Winners in each category will receive:

  • Framed certificate of recognition presented at the annual conference on aging
  • $100 cash award
  • Free registration at the 2014 Conference on Aging and one workshop offered by the Beard Center on Aging in 2014 (non-transferable)
  • Recognition in local media and "Senior News" magazine

All nominees will receive:

  • Free lunch during the June 4th conference to attend the award ceremony
  • discounted $45 registration fee to attend the entire conference (optional)

Outstanding Contribution to Positive Aging

This person is an exemplary leader for other gerontological professionals. He/she demonstrates a commitment toward quality care, education, and/or quality of life for the aging community and their caregivers. He/she also demonstrates creativity and initiative in his/her business or profession. This professional is currently employed in Region 2000 or in a Consortium agency.

Past Winners:

  • Sandy Simpson, Centra Pace (2011)
  • Rev. Kenneth Burger, The Summit (2010)
  • Louise Gardner, Crisis Line (2009)
  • Tulane Patterson, Generation Solutions (2008)

To recommend someone for an award, please complete the Outstanding Contribution to Positive Aging nomination form and return it along with a letter of recommendation. Please include reasons why the person you are nominating should receive the award and use specific examples to support your nomination.

Outstanding Geriatric Nursing Professional

This nursing professional is a person who goes above and beyond to serve the aging population in our community. He/she is currently employed in the field of nursing or in a related position in Region 2000 or in a Consortium agency. He/she contributes their time and energy to improve the quality of life for others and works in a helpful and caring manner.

Past Winners:

  • Sandy Bradshaw, Gentle Shepherd Hospice (2011)
  • Pamala Mutter, The Elks Home (2010)
  • Rebecca Rosser, Babcock Manor (2009)
  • Joanna Goding, Oakwood Manor (2008)

To recommend someone for an award, please complete the Outstanding Geriatric Nursing Professional nomination form and return it along with a letter of recommendation. Please include reasons why the person you are nominating should receive the award and use specific examples to support your nomination.

Professional Caregiver of the Year

Professionals currently employed as a certified nursing assistant, nursing assistant, personal care assistant, home health aide, or companion in Region 2000 or in a Consortium agency are eligible for the award. This person should exemplify the caring and helpful qualities of a professional caregiver and consistently offer outstanding customer service in their agency of employment.

Past Winners:

  • Lynn Fox, Lynchburg Parks and Recreation (2011)
  • Lucinda Tucker, Personal Home Care, Inc. (2010)
  • Barbara Richerson, Generation Solutions (2009)

To recommend someone for an award, please complete the Professional Caregiver of the Year nomination form and return it along with a letter of recommendation. Please include reasons why the person you are nominating should receive the award and use specific examples to support your nomination.