Age-Friendly University

Wayne State University has been designated as an Age-Friendly University (AFU), yet another important step toward ensuring inclusivity excellence campus-wide. AFU global network adresses the fastest growing segment of our population and calls for new opportunities and innovation in teaching, research, and community engagement. 

Tell Us About Your Efforts

WSU Fact Sheet

AFU Higher Education Resources

AFU Globel Netork

AFU Guiding Principles and WSU Corresponding Resources

1. Encourage the participation of older adults in all core university activities, including educational and research programs.

2. Promote personal and career development in the second half of life and support those pursuing second careers.

3. Recognize the diverse educational needs of older adults, from early school-leavers to those seeking advanced degrees.

4. Foster intergenerational learning to facilitate expertise sharing across age groups.

5. Widen access to online educational opportunities for older adults.

6. Ensure that the university’s research agenda addresses the needs of an aging society and promotes public discourse on higher education’s role.

7. Increase students’ understanding of the longevity dividend and the richness aging brings to society.

8. Enhance access for older adults to health, wellness programs, and cultural activities.

9. Actively engage with the university’s retired community.

10. Maintain regular dialogue with organizations representing the interests of the aging population

WSU Age-Friendly University Committee

Jessica Damoiseaux, PhD, Co-Chair – Associate Professor in the Institute of Gerontology and the Dept. of Psychology
Faith Hopp, PhD, Co-chair – Associate Professor, School of Social Work

Boris Baltes, PhD – Senior Associate Provost for Faculty Affairs and Associate Vice President of Academic Personnel
Alex Boesch, MEd – Intercultural Training Director, VP Academic Affairs
Scott Bowen, PhD – Chair, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Deborah Charbonneau, PhD – Associate Professor, School of Information Sciences   
Mariane Fahlman, PhD – Professor, Kinesiology Health and Sports Studies
Loraleigh Keashly, PhD – Assoc. Dean of Curriculum & Student Affairs, College of Fine, Performing & Communication Arts
Carrie Leach, PhD – Assistant Professor (Research), Institute of Gerontology
Cathy Lysack, PhD – Professor, Occupational Therapy, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
Peter A. Lichtenberg, PhD – Director, Institute of Gerontology & Merrill Palmer Skillman Institute
Charles Manke, PhD – Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs, College of Engineering
Arthur F. Marotti, PhD – Director, Emeritus Academy
Cynthera McNeill, DNP – Director, Adult-Gerontology Nurse Practitioner Program
Annessa Morely – Sr. Director, Alumni Relations, Executive Director of the Alumni Association
Karen Mourtzikos, MD – Associate Vice President of Wayne State University Health Affairs, School of Medicine
Donyale Padgett, PhD – Associate Professor of Commuication and WSU Chief Diversity Officer
Kevin Rashid – Academic Services Officer, Irvin D. Reid Honors College
Wassim Tarraf, PhD – Associate Professor, Institute of Gerontology and Department of Healthcare Sciences
Thomas Walker, PhD – Associate Dean, School of Information Sciences
Jane Warkentin – Clinical Programs Manager, Dean's Office, Law School
Tamarie Willis – Project Manager, Center for Behavioral Health and Justice