Scholarship recipient rewarded for his commitment to elders

From M, winter 2006

Rajean Moone traces his interest in aging studies back to after-school time spent with his grandmother when he was growing up in International Falls. "She was an independent woman who taught me many things--from playing cribbage for 25 cents a game to the importance of education." Now pursuing a Ph.D. in social work, Moone received the first Shelley Joseph-Kordell Scholarship, given to a student committed to working with seniors.

The scholarship memorializes Shelley Joseph-Kordell, a geriatric care manager and pioneer in the field of advocacy for seniors. She was killed in 2003 at a court hearing in the Hennepin County Government Center. "She was an inspiration to advocates in the field of aging," says Moone. "She set the bar high when supporting older adults--something we all strive to do in our work."

In addition to his studies, Moone works at the Metropolitan Area Agency on Aging. "My work is so fulfilling because I know I am making a difference in the lives of older adults," says Moone, who is the first in his family to go beyond earning a two-year degree.