Scholarship to support students in health care administration will honor aging studies emeritus professor

Victor Molinari, PhD, ABPP, made countless significant contributions to the School of Aging Studies and the field of geropsychology during his decades-long career at the University of South Florida (USF). Recently, he and his wife, Cindy Mason, cemented his legacy by establishing a scholarship in his name. Their gift, which includes $150,000 to fund an endowment, will provide scholarships to undergraduates pursuing a bachelor’s degree in health care administration. 
 
Throughout his distinguished career at USF, Molinari was a popular instructor for students at all levels of study. His extensive practical experience in aging and mental health was of great value in preparing students for the complications they would encounter in the real world of clinical care. He also supported students at the highest level, chairing or co-chairing 13 dissertation committees and serving as a member of 23 additional committees for aging studies students, and coauthoring dozens of articles in peer reviewed journals with students. Many of his former students have gone on to achieve major distinctions in their own careers. 
 
“Victor has made a remarkable impact and forged new pathways, benefitting not only current professionals in gerontology, but also future scholars interested in improving the lives of older adults,” said Debra Dobbs, PhD, professor and interim director of the School of Aging Studies. “I look forward to seeing how this scholarship will empower students to succeed.” 
 
Molinari was also a major force in the field of geropsychology, a field of psychology that relates to the well-being of older adults, and was instrumental in gaining recognition of geropsychology as a professional specialty by the American Psychological Association. As a part of this effort, he worked closely with the American Board of Professional Psychology and became president of both the American Board of Geropsychology and the Geropsychology Specialty Council. He also served as a leader of several other organizations, taskforces, and councils, and was granted emeritus status at USF upon his retirement in 2023. 
 
The Dr. Victor Molinari, PhD, Aging Studies Scholarship will help grow the newly formed Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program, which prepares students to join the essential health care administration workforce operating nursing homes, assisted living communities, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.  
 
The scholarship will assist a student majoring in health care administration financially for up to eight semesters, pending eligibility. Eligible students are those who have completed one semester in the health care administration major with a minimum GPA of 3.0 and who remain in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.  
 
For more information about how to apply for this scholarship opportunity, contact Lindsay Peterson, PhD, School of Aging Studies internship director.