Students can use the art of photography to capture the heart of the elderly generation for the first “Images of Aging” photo contest.

The Pruett Gerontology Center, along with the Department of Art and Design and the Digital Media Center, is conducting a photography contest, encouraging students to celebrate the elderly community by snapping shots of adults age 60 or older. The contest began Nov. 11, and all photos must be digitally submitted to contest’s blog by Jan. 31, 2011.

A panel of professional judges will choose the winners in five different categories. Each winner will receive gift certificates, and their work will be displayed in various locations, including the Pruett Gerontology Center and online.

The five categories students may enter are Art Forms: black and white, Art Forms: color, Documentary: black and white, Documentary: color, and Mobile: captured from a mobile device – such as an iPhone.

Dr. Charlie Pruett, director of the Gerontology Center, said he hopes the contest will encourage students to interact with older adults in a positive way.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for students who love photography or want to love photography,” Pruett said. “I see college students really enjoying interacting with older adults. It’s a source of relationship.”

Pruett said he believes the contest will create student awareness of America’s demographic shift toward the growing elderly population.

“I believe students spending time with the elderly will develop that inter-generational bond,” Pruett said. “We have older people and younger people, each interacting at different stages in life. We should all enjoy each other at whatever stage we are at.”

Sue Garcia, administrative coordinator of the Pruett Gerontology Center, said she also supports students in building these relationships.

“We want students to engage with the older adults,” Garcia said. “In return, the older adults will engage as well and have a good time doing it.”

The Pruett Gerontology Center also offers undergraduate students the opportunity to earn a Certificate of the Studies of Aging. This 15-hour program allows students to explore courses like Sociology of Aging and Ministry with Older Adults.

Garcia said she believes the nationally recognized gerontology program is a wise subject to invest in.

“It doesn’t matter what career path students are on,” Garcia said. “Chances are, they will be working with older adults one way or another, and it’s nice to know how to do that.”

Sarah Beardsley, junior family studies major from Keller, works in the Gerontology Center and said she encourages students to participate.

“This contest not only gets students involved with the elderly community, but it also gives them a chance to broaden their photography skills, share their talents and allow them to get their name out there,” Beardsley said.

For more information and contest rules, visit blogs.acu.edu/imagesofaging or stop by the Pruett Gerontology Center’s facilities in the Hardin Administration Building, Room 118.