Steven H. Zarit, professor of human development and assistant director of the Gerontology Center, has been honored with the 2001 President’s Award for Excellence in Academic Integration. The award, established in 1996, is given to a full-time member of the faculty who has exhibited extraordinary achievement in the integration of Penn State’s three-pronged mission: teaching, research or creative accomplishments, and service.

Holder of a Ph.D. in human development from the University of Chicago, Zarit has been a member of the Penn State human development faculty since 1986. During his tenure here, he has served in various administrative positions within the Gerontology Center and the department of human development and family studies. He has published five books and numerous articles focusing on mental health and aging as well as family care of disabled elders. Prior to coming to Penn State, Zarit held faculty posts at the University of Southern California and City College of CUNY.

Zarit’s internationally recognized scholarship in behavioral science and gerontology has transcended the classroom into the community. His leadership in recognizing the needs of families of Alzheimer’s Disease patients has led to appointments to the board of directors and to the medical and scientific advisory council of the Alzheimer’s Association. He shares what he learns in his research, clinical practice, and outreach with students, who are active participants in his work and learn from his expertise as a scholar and contributor to society.