UCI Health Affairs is delighted to announce that Jennie Chin Hansen, RN, MSN, FAAN, will be the keynote speaker for the Susan & Henry Samueli College of Health Sciences commencement ceremony taking place on Monday, June 17, 2024.
Hansen is a nurse who has changed the field of aging, touching upon the lives of countless individuals with her forward-thinking and holistic approach to healthcare challenges. She is the immediate past CEO of the American Geriatrics Society, the largest professional membership organization of geriatric clinicians dedicated to improving the health, independence and quality of life of older adults. She currently contributes to areas of dementia, workforce supply, chronic complex care, geriatric emergency departments and health equity.
Prior to this position, Hansen completed her role as president of the 38-million-member AARP during the negotiations and development of the Affordable Care Act. Her primary career includes nearly 25 years in San Francisco providing integrated, globally financed and comprehensive medical and community-based services for nursing home eligible older persons.
Hansen’s dedication to enhancing the quality of life for older adults aligns with UC Irvine’s commitment to providing equitable care for all. Her extensive work in advocating for geriatric care and comprehensive services for the elderly exemplifies the principles of inclusivity and access that are fundamental to our mission. By incorporating a holistic approach to healthcare challenges, Hansen’s contributions inspire us to ensure every individual receives the highest quality care, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Hansen’s achievements in promoting health equity serve as a powerful model for navigating an increasingly complex and interconnected world. We are grateful to have her share wisdom gleaned from her extensive experience with our graduates as they prepare to make meaningful contributions to a more inclusive and healthy society.
Thank you, Mark Lazenby, PhD, RN, FAAN, dean and professor of the Sue & Bill Gross School of Nursing, for arranging for Hansen to serve as our keynote speaker.
