Honor Court Silver Benefactor and Professor Emerita Judith Sugar.
Theresa Danna
Committed to raising awareness of gerontology and strengthening the School of Public Health’s national reputation, the Judith A. Sugar Endowed Professorship in Gerontology was recently established to recognize Faculty Emerita Judith Sugar’s considerable contributions to the field.
“The endowed professorship provides us the opportunity to not only elevate our programs and research, but to enhance our school’s recruitment and retention of outstanding faculty and researchers in gerontology,” said Muge Akpinar-Elci, dean of the School of Public Health. “This transformative endowment celebrates and advances Judith’s legacy along with her immense contributions to the field.”
Sugar, a nationally recognized teacher and scholar in gerontology, received her doctoral degree in lifespan developmental psychology from York University in Toronto, Canada. Most of her academic career has focused on the later years of the human lifespan.
“Every field of study — from biology to engineering and psychology — has opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovators who want to create new programs, products and services for our older generations and their loved ones,” Sugar said. “So, taking courses or completing academic programs in gerontology, be they certificates, minors, majors or graduate degrees, will serve students well into the future.”
Among her many academic leadership roles, Sugar served as director of UNR Med’s Sanford Center for Aging and associate dean of The Graduate School at the University, as well as chair of Colorado State University’s gerontology program and associate director of the Anna and Harry Borun Center for Gerontological Research at UCLA.
She has published widely in the fields of psychology, gerontology and education. One of her most influential publications, “Introduction to Aging: A Positive, Interdisciplinary Approach,” is currently the only textbook for introductory courses in gerontology.
“Those who explore the field of gerontology will learn about the possibilities and challenges for their own future, as well as the future for their family, friends, neighbors and community, making them well-prepared to take advantage of the possibilities and to meet the challenges of aging,” Sugar said.
Sugar and her husband, Faculty Emeritus C. Richard Tracy, are also recognized in the University Honor Court as Silver Benefactors for their support across campus for more than 25 years.
To learn more about Sugar’s contributions, scan the QR code below.