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 (±«Óătv). 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 ±«Óătv, 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 ±«Óătv upon his retirement in 2023.
The 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.
News
Victor Molinari, PhD, and Cindy Mason celebrate at Molinari’s retirement party in May 2023.