Professor Emeritus James E. “Jim” Birren, the founding dean of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and an aging research pioneer considered by many to be the father of modern gerontology, passed away on January 15, 2016 at the age of 97. As the co-founder of the California Council on Gerontology and Geriatrics, we are saddened by this news and appreciate his passion and support of the organization over the years.

For a more complete remembrance please read the USC Davis School of Gerontology’s article.