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Meet a Champion of Aging star, Juli Oberlander

Recently the UNO Gerontology offices were full of cameras and lighting equipment to film a piece about our very own Champion of Aging, Juli Oberlander.

Omaha – Juli Oberlander is a UNO student majoring in journalism and media communication with a concentration in public relations. Juli's skills include feature writing, copy editing, social media management, and media relations. She enjoys learning and making a difference through advocating for gerontology as well as the aging curriculum. Juli graduated from UNO in May 2019.

The Champions of Aging organization is an Omaha-based program with a goal to build a workforce with an understanding and appreciation for the aging process. Each year they offer paid service year opportunities for both full and part time college students and recent college graduates. When asked about her experience this semester, Juli replied, "Champions of Aging has taught me the importance of helping others and highlighting issues that do not receive as much recognition or attention from the public, such as the needs of the aging population. Through this service year experience, I have learned that I am happiest when I am inspired by my work. I feel like I am making a difference when I can help provide a voice to organizations and people who are often overlooked."

I feel like I am making a difference when I can help provide a voice to organizations and people who are often overlooked."

 Juli Oberlander

During her time with the Department of Gerontology Juli has enhanced the department’s social media presence, developed promotional materials, and assisted with event planning. For example, she wrote an article, UNO Department of Gerontology offers multidisciplinary courses for students, for the UNO Gateway and produced a gerontology video for the department.

After learning more about gerontology and the field of aging, Oberlander said, "I think gerontology is important because it teaches the public how to better relate to and help aging adults. This knowledge will be especially beneficial as baby boomers retire and the need for care professionals increases. I have also learned the elderly experience extreme feelings of loneliness, and the need for people to spend time with this population will only grow as time goes on."

As Juli learned more about the various degrees and careers that can be enhanced with a background in aging she mentions, "Through working with UNO Gerontology, I have learned how multi-faceted the field of gerontology is. Before I took this position, I didn't realize the gerontology program offered courses in aging studies as well as related degrees such as communication, law, and interior design. Students should really consider pursuing the various minors, certificates, and online programs that the UNO Department of Gerontology offers."

The Department of Gerontology is grateful for the support of the Champions of Aging program and wish Juli the best with her future endeavors. She has been a true asset to our department. Go Mavs!