Professor Robert L. Glueckauf, Ph.D., has been named the inaugural recipient of the Melissa L. Knabe Community Impact Award, which honors individuals who are making significant contributions to their community through time, actions, talents, dedication and resources.
Glueckauf was selected for his work with the African American Alzheimer’s Caregiver Training and Support Project 2 (ACTS2).
“I am honored to be the first recipient,” Glueckauf said. “Having the opportunity to serve as director of ACTS2 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. ACTS2 is dedicated to providing culturally-responsive, skills-building and support services to Black care partners of older adults with dementia across Florida.”
He said he has been fortunate to work with a strong team of talented staff members, faith community leaders and care partners of loved ones with dementia.
“Guided by their collective wisdom and efforts, ACTS2 services have increased the quality of life of Black care partners and their loved ones with dementia, as well as statewide advocacy for their intervention priorities and concerns,” Glueckauf said.
The Florida State University College of Medicine’s Department of Behavioral Science and Social Medicine created the award last year in memory of Knabe, a longtime colleague in the Area Health Education Center who died of breast cancer. She believed passionately in the College of Medicine’s mission to serve the underserved, and the award reflects her years of commitment, leadership and unselfish dedication to serving others.
The award was created not only to honor her memory, but also to serve as an inspiration to others for ongoing service.
All the nominees serve as role models for compassion and service, and they strive to make their communities better places to live and work. People may be nominated for their commitment to community impact; work in substantive community partnerships with power-sharing principles; advocating for and effecting change within a specific community; addressing critical health, social, economic or environmental needs in the community; or a combination of those factors.