Entries for the “Images of Aging” photo contest were accepted through Friday. This is the third year of the contest and many photo entries were received.

Sue Garcia, administrative coordinator for the Pruett Gerontology Center, came up with the idea for “Images of Aging” with the help of Dr. Charlie Pruett, director of the Pruett Gerontology Center. The Center promotes the study of aging across campus.

“We wanted an activity that would involve students and older people,” Garcia  said. “A certain appreciation, an opportunity to strengthen relationships, or just kind of get started in a different direction.”

Garcia said the contest seemed like a “really good, fun thing to do.”

She said the contest has had a good response this year and students across campus are encouraged to participate.

Garcia said they’ve averaged about 40-50 pictures entered in past contests. As of Wednesday, between 50 and 60 pictures had been submitted for this year’s contest.

There are three entry categories: black and white, color and mobile. Each category has one first prize winner. Honorable mentions are also given. Winning photos and honorable mentions from the past two years adorn the walls of the Pruett Gerontology Center.

Prizes will be awarded during an awards banquet on Feb. 26.  The prizes last year included three $200 cameras for the first-place winners and portable iPod speakers for honorable mention. Garcia said this year’s prizes will be similar.

Garcia said she hopes people will appreciate the art and talent of the students, as well as the relationships and stories behind the photos. She said she believes the photographers enjoy the experience.

“I hope they get something deeper than just ‘clicking.’ I think they do.”

Pruett said one purpose of the contest is to promote a realistic and healthy view of later life. He said the purpose is also help students to become aware of the age demographic shift that is approaching.

He said 20 percent of the population will be 65 and older in the next 20 years.

“ACU students will be leading and serving a population that is much different than it is now.”

Pruett said he wants individuals to see the creativity of ACU students through the photos submitted in the contest.

“At the same time, as people see the photos, we’re wanting them to have a greater appreciation for the positive images of older adults.”