Q: What program are you in at the USC Leonard Davis School?
Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality, Advanced Standing, Class of 2022.
Q: What inspired you to pick this program?
Coming from the finance side of senior living, this felt like the perfect way round out some gaps I had on the operational side. With low expectations, I randomly searched google for “Master’s in Senior Living” and was pleasantly surprised to find this with Leonard Davis School’s reputation backing it.
Q: What do you plan on doing with your degree once you graduate, and what are your career goals?
Goal #1 accomplished last week – I acquired a 96-bed Assisted Living/Memory Care. Goal #2, to own and operate a portfolio of them. The deeper mission is to create vibrant communities where older adults and team members alike can self-actualize, or better yet, community-actualize.
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
I gained a tremendous sense of confidence with my place in the industry and a clear path forward for the accomplishments I can achieve.
Q: What are some other projects or activities that you’ve been involved in?
I have worked full-time during the course of this program to acquire communities, including in asset management and acquisitions with a private equity firm. I have been able to educate hundreds of investors about senior living and the expectations necessary coming into the industry.
Q: What is one of your favorite courses you’ve taken at the School?
589: Leadership, it was incredible to learn from so many top industry titans. 502: Marketing, great real-world lessons with Josh and Jim, humble titans in their own right. 550: Administration, the perfect way to wind up the major, putting finishing touches on running a community. It felt like it accomplished the same outcome as writing a doctoral thesis.
Q: What would you want other young people to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
- Gerontology is at the center of many disciplines.
- Decisions you make today add up and affect outcomes down the road.
