Invest in the Future: Celebrate GSA Founder’s Day by Supporting Emerging Scholars

GSA celebrates its annual Founder’s Day on May 18, marking the day in 1945 when a small group of forward-thinking researchers established the Society. The founders couldn’t have imagined the enormous growth we would have, now with more than 6,500 members across 26 different academic disciplines.

Likewise, the founders couldn’t have imagined the predicament that today’s emerging scholars find themselves in today. Cuts, disruptions, and threats to research funding have negatively altered the career trajectories of graduate students, trainees, and early-career members. Many are deterred from even entering the field as programs dial back on the number of students admitted into PhD programs.

Founder’s Day is an opportunity to remember the past and reflect on what we can do to ensure a bright future for the field — how we can support the next generation. Please join your fellow GSA colleagues in supporting student and emerging scholars funds that provide travel stipends for tomorrow’s scholars to attend the Annual Scientific Meeting.

To those who have previously contributed to these funds, your generosity has made a lasting difference in advancing our mission and strengthening our community.  As you know from your own experience, the meeting is an essential forum for professional development, networking, and contributing to the future of gerontology.

Here are two recent testimonials that illustrate the value of these stipends. The donation page on our website has dozens more.

“The GSA Annual Scientific Meeting is a phenomenal and unique platform for exploring new perspectives, sharing research progress, and reconnecting with old friends while building new collaborations. The student travel stipend makes these meaningful moments much more accessible to me!” (Aaron C. Li, Harvey A. Friedman Center on Aging)

“As a first-year PhD student, the GSA travel stipend was invaluable. Beyond easing the unexpected financial burden of my first conference, it made me feel supported as a researcher, enabling me to focus entirely on learning and professional networking.” (Jina Park, University of Denver)

With your continued support, we can expand access and ensure that financial barriers do not limit participation. Every gift helps foster the next generation. Thank you again for your generosity!