Longtime health-care administrator, educator and northern Nevada community leader Phil Gillette, who at 88 is still employed and active as a volunteer, has been honored with the Sanford Center for Aging’s Living the Legacy Award.

The honor recognizes long-time commitment to improving the lives of Nevada elders. The award was presented to Mr. Gillette as a surprise at the center’s annual awards and recognition ceremony May 5. He has been a member of the center’s Community Advisory Board since 2005 and currently serves as chair.

He is the fourth person to receive the Living the Legacy Award in the 15-year history of the Sanford Center for Aging, part of the University of Nevada, Reno.

Among other activities, Mr. Gillette holds emeritus positions as assistant to the dean of the University of Nevada School of Medicine and as a lecturer in the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Administration. He has been coordinator of Resident Physician Practice Management course since 1987 and was administrator for the Nevada Medical Group, the professional medical practice association of the medical school, from 1978-82.

He has served on boards and committees of many organizations, including HealthInsight, the Angel Kiss Foundation for children with cancer, and the Washoe County Asthma Coalition. He chaired the Governor's State Health Plan Development Committee from 1990-94 and was president of the American Lung Association of Nevada from 1976-78.

He is a Life Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

Created in 1993, the Sanford Center for Aging develops innovative programs, supports education and research, and partners with community organizations to “add life to years” of Nevada elders.

For more information, contact Margene Foster at (775) 784-1803 or margene@unr.edu.