Wildwood Scientist Chosen as 'Ageless Remarkable'

A Wildwood resident, Ernest Jaworski, Ph. D., 85, was one of 20 individuals recognized at the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System’s ninth annual Ageless – Remarkable Saint Louisans gala this year. St. Louis-based Wells Fargo Advisors served as the presenting sponsor for the special event held at the Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch.

Jaworski was one of Monsanto’s pioneer scientists in the field of agricultural research and biological sciences who went on to become the first president of the prestigious Donald Danforth Plant Science Center. A 1998 recipient of the National Medal of Technology, Jaworski remains committed to scientific advancement as a scientist in residence at the St. Louis Science Center and a science tutor at .

The 2011 class of Ageless-Remarkable Saint Louisans' honorees embody the active and engaged spirit that is being embraced by countless numbers of older adults nationwide. Created in 1961, as a non-profit partnership of the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri and the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, St. Andrew’s is non-sectarian, faith-based and an expert at serving both older adults and their caregivers. The St. Andrew’s organization celebrated its 50th anniversary.

“The 2011 class of Ageless-Remarkable Saint Louisans demonstrates that growing older doesn’t have to be synonymous with slowing down,” said Mary Alice Ryan, President and CEO of the St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System in a press release. “For these talented and vivacious individuals, retirement has provided an opportunity to continue to make amazing contributions on the job front and in their communities, and we applaud them for demonstrating how exciting and fulfilling life after age 75 can be.”

Ageless – Remarkable Saint Louisans is the primary fundraising event for St. Andrew’s and its Charitable Foundation. Gifts to the foundation support the provision of housing and supportive services to low-income and at-risk seniors in the St. Louis area, as well as the extension of financial aid to residents who have exhausted their resources. Each year, the organization serves more than 5,000 people and provides more than $1.5 million in charitable care.  

St. Andrew’s initiated the Ageless—Remarkable Saint Louisans concept in 2003 with the production of a one-of-a-kind photo book featuring the first year’s honorees. The program has gained popularity, and its unique and creative approach was recognized with the Innovation of the Year Award in 2004 by the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, and the 2007 Distinguished Service Award by the Missouri Association of Homes for the Aging.

The complete list of extraordinary seniors aged 75 or older who were recognized at this year’s event includes:

• Rose Allen
• Col. Frank Bick
• Caroline Fisher
• George Fonyo
• Eleanor Gershien
• Milton Hieken
• Charles Hoessle
• W.F. Samuel Hopmeier
• Helen Hume
• Rev. Donald Hunter
• Ernest Jaworski, Ph.D.
• Sr. Madelene Reiners
• Br. Leo Slay
• Jesse Swanigan
• Kenneth Teasdale
• Phyllis Tirmenstein
• Virginia Trent
• William Van Luven
• Jean Woodard
• Paul Young, Ph.D.

Ageless 2011 honoree Jean Woodard embarked on a new career at age 53 when she completed her nursing degree. Today, at age 90, she continues to care for patients as a hospital emergency room volunteer.  At 75, honoree Eleanor Gershien earned the distinction of being the oldest person ever to receive a degree from Maryville University. And, following a 55-year career as a beloved professor with the St. Louis University School of Medicine, Dr. Paul Young is now working on the third edition of a neuroscience textbook and helping to update interactive computer programs used worldwide. Meanwhile, 76-year-old Rev. Donald Hunter remains pastor of New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church and continues his work with The Acts Partnership, an organization he helped found that works to stabilize troubled neighborhoods through the development of affordable housing and community programs. For 77-year-old honoree Jesse C. Swanigan, work continues on bridging the gap between people of different races and religions through his efforts with the 100 Black Men of America organization, which he founded to provide mentoring for young men and help improve the quality of life within communities across the United States.