Administrative History: 

The Wisconsin Geriatric Education Center (WGEC) is one of the oldest GECs in the country, initially funded in 1986 as the Midwest Geriatric Education Center (MGEC) by the Human Resources Service Administration-Bureau of Health Professions (HRSA-BHPr). It was re-named in 1991. This GEC was established as a consortium between Marquette University, the administrative lead institution, and several other universities, healthcare systems, and medical schools throughout the state of Wisconsin. The WGEC is the only GEC serving the State of Wisconsin and the only statewide organization specifically devoted to the education and training of healthcare professionals working with the elderly. major strengths of the WGEC are found in its partnerships and collaborations with local and regional medical, educational, and community institutions, as well as other GECs nationwide. The original mission of the GEC was to serve as a resource of interdisciplinary geriatrics/gerontology education and training for healthcare professionals, faculty, and students. Additionally, it was to serve as a central point of communication for collaborative activities between all geriatric-oriented organizations/institutions throughout the state providing education, training, and services to the geriatric healthcare community of Wisconsin. During its existence, the WGEC has assumed a leadership role in identifying issues facing the elderly in Wisconsin and developing innovative training programs that enable health professionals to meet these needs.

The WGEC has maintained a rich tradition of organizing and providing superior multi- and interdisciplinary education and training opportunities for the geriatric healthcare community of Wisconsin. These activities have included state-of-the-art seminars/conferences, training workshops, intensive training programs/reviews, and educational modules using various types of media and languages. Additionally, the WGEC has played a major role in the National Association of Geriatric Education Centers (NAGEC) by maintaining NAGEC council membership positions and complete responsibility for the GEC network newsletter, Pipeline, since October 1992. The WGEC component institutions that have participated in the consortium have changed over the years. As of this writing, the current consortium consists of Marquette University (lead institution), University of Wisconsin (Madison and Milwaukee campuses), Medical College of Wisconsin, Aurora Healthcare System, and Marshfield Clinic system.

Directors of the Wisconsin Geriatric Education Center:
Dr. Anthony M. Iacopino, 1999-ongoing
Dr. Jennifer Mendez, 1996-1998
Dr. Patrick M. Loyd, 1993-1996
Dr. Kenneth Shay, 1991-1993
Dr. Jesley C. Ruff, 1986-1991

Scope and Content:  These records are arranged into three unrestricted series. Series 1 consists of administrative subject files. Series 2 documents WGEC educational programs, including conferences, symposiums, workshops, and programs hosted and/or sponsored by the WGEC. Series 3 documents WGEC publications, including curriculum modules (training modules and curriculum guides), the WGEC Newsletter, and the GEC Pipeline.

Separation Note:  Videos produced by or relating to the Wisconsin Geriatric Education Center were separated from this record group and arranged in the University Archives' general videotape collection.

Restrictions:  Access to these records is unrestricted. However, the researcher assumes full responsibility for conforming with the laws of libel, privacy, and copyright which may be involved in the use of these records. Consult an archivist for further information.

Series 1	Administrative Subject Files, 1986-ongoing
Series 2	Educational Programs, 1987-ongoing
Series 3	Publications, 1987-ongoing