The USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology celebrated more than 240 graduates of its undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programs during USC’s 142nd Commencement on May 16, 2025 in Founders Park.
In his welcoming remarks, Dean Pinchas Cohen noted that as the school celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2025, it also celebrates its largest-ever graduating class.
“Your Leonard Davis School education has prepared you to improve the lives of older people, to appreciate — and build upon — the contributions of prior generations, and to contribute to better health and wellbeing for everyone,” Cohen said. “I know you will continue our school’s half-century of tradition in service, innovation and success.”
The ceremony’s keynote speaker was Elie Gindi, a member of the USC Leonard Davis Board of Councilors as well as a member of the Master of Arts in Gerontology Class of 2025. He shared that his experience recovering from a stroke, along with his education at the school, allowed him to “truly appreciate the preciousness of time.”
“I learned to count each day, to treasure time, and every day has become all the richer,” Gindi said. “As graduates of USC Leonard Davis, you have knowledge, you have experience, and you have the skills from the best school of gerontology in the world to go out and make sure that the ones you love and the people in your communities live their best life and healthiest life. But now the real work truly begins. May you truly treasure the days bestowed upon you.”
Student speaker Natalie Mao, senior in human development and aging and president of the Student Gerontology Association, spoke to graduates about how studying gerontology promotes understanding and connection with all people, not just older adults.
“Really, we study how to live life fully and help more people go through it with dignity,” she said. “Studying aging also means we’re always learning in and out of school. … We’re students of life, and we gain wisdom from those we serve.”
University Honors
Order of the Laurel and the Palm
Anthony Guan
Isaac Ethan Hamid
Elise Noelle Hong
Josh Senior
Order of Troy
Andrew Bong
Keran Chen
Samuel Chuang
Vandita Gorla
Katelyn Hsu
Evelyn Lee
Jordyn Roberson
Daniella Suh
Renaissance Scholar Distinction
Vandita Gorla
Anthony Guan
Discovery Scholar Distinction
Andrew Bong
Keran Chen
Samuel Chuang
Vandita Gorla
Anthony Guan
Isaac Ethan Hamid
Katelyn Hsu
Evelyn Haemin Lee
Jordyn Roberson
Joshua Senior
USC Leonard Davis School Honors
Osterburg Prize
Cassandra Joan McGill
Undergraduate Student Award
Joshua Senior
Master’s Student Award
Brandon Kier Smith
Doctoral Student Award
Sarah Shemtov
Dean’s Affiliated Doctoral Student Award
Carmen Maria Ramos
Teaching Assistant Award
Mengzhao Yan
Faculty Teaching Award
Julia Walsh
Parting Words from USC Leonard Davis School’s 2025 graduates
Kayla Boggs
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL)
What’s next?
Planning to become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part has been the lasting connections I’ve made with classmates, professors, and mentors. Everyone genuinely cares about your growth and success, and being part of this community that’s at the forefront of advancing the field is incredibly inspiring.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
Gerontology goes beyond just working with older adultsl; it is the study of aging throughout the entire life course. Supporting healthy aging and promoting longevity is important at every stage of life, not just later years.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
Being part of the MSNHL program at USC has been an honor. USC offers so many meaningful opportunities for both personal and professional growth and empowers you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to thrive as a professional. Fight on!
Adi Chazoom
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL); Registered Dietitian at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
I love applying what I learned about longevity to support all age groups in making choices that support their long term health
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
It’s very rewarding to empower patients to find foods they enjoy eating that also support their health goals as they age
Melissa Corral
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL)
What’s next?
After graduation, I will study and take my Registered Dietitian (RD) exam for licensure. Then, I will open up my own private practice.
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part of studying gerontology at USC is learning from highly knowledgeable and passionate professors while connecting with other students from diverse backgrounds who share a passion for aging and healthcare.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
I want others to know that gerontology is not just about aging—it’s about improving quality of life, promoting healthy longevity, and understanding the diverse needs of older adults
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
I loved every part of the 2-year MSNHL program at USC and only wish I had more time to continue learning and growing in such an inspiring environment.
Beverly Gianna
Program: Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG)
What’s next?
I am currently employed as a part-time long-term care ombudsman.
I would like to find employment that brings together my Gerontology, LTC Ombudsman and Experience as an Older Adult.
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
World class professors. Smart students from all parts of the world. This combination energizes the learning experience.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
Gerontology offers a guide to aging well.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
I am grateful to USC Leonard Davis.
Riley Gould
Program: Master of Arts in Senior Living Hospitality (MASLH)
What’s next?
I would like to be a travel hospice consultant or teach Gerontology at an Institution
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
I am often asked why are you interested in studying aging or older adults? To which I respond with because that will be you and me someday. It is a gift to age, the alternative to not aging is not an ideal situation, so I want to make the most out of every age I am. I studied Gerontology to try and make an impact on the way individuals feel about becoming older and learning about the mental, physical, and social changes we all experience as we get older.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
That Gerontology is not for “older” individuals. We are aging every second and it is important to know what is happening both internally and externally in our bodies at every life stage.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
Studying Gerontology has allowed me to apply myself to more situations and to have the skills to meet people of all ages. I now have a set of tools I can use in every conversation to relate with people of all ages. This may be a small area of studying now, but I believe this is one of the most helpful, interesting, and exciting disciplines to research.
Ethan Hamid
Program: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging
What’s next?
Part-time Clinical Scribe, Cedars Sinai and applying to medical schools!
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The interdisciplinary, dynamic nature of gerontology allows me to bridge what I learn at USC to diverse real world scenarios in my medical clinic, the hospice, and beyond into my personal life with family and friends. It’s rewarding to see how this field equips me not just for a career, but for a more compassionate and informed approach to life.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
Gerontology is vital because it is the only demographic that every single one of us will (hopefully) belong to one day! It’s about more than just aging—it’s about honoring the full arc of life. Working with older adults has taught me that aging is not a decline, but a chapter rich with resilience. Supporting this population means championing dignity, inclusion, and intergenerational understanding—and that benefits all of us.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
Being a student in USC’s Davis School of Gerontology has been a blessing and a pivotal chapter in my education that will shape the rest of my career as a physician and my personal life as a son, grandson, and one day, as a grandfather. I am deeply grateful to the caring faculty and staff who have supported me with care, guidance, and a genuine commitment to helping me grow into the best version of myself.
Andrew Kim
Program: Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG)
What’s next?
Planning on applying for medical school!
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part about studying gerontology at USC has been the opportunity to connect science with human impact—bridging research, service, and advocacy in a field that is both deeply personal and urgently relevant. At USC’s Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, I’ve learned that aging is not just a biological process, but a social, cultural, and policy-driven issue that touches every aspect of public health.
What makes the program exceptional is its interdisciplinary nature. I’ve explored everything from cellular aging and neurodegeneration to technology use among older adults and long-term care systems. In particular, being involved in research under Dr. Min-Kyoung Rhee on technology acceptance among low-income older adults has been transformative. It opened my eyes to the real-world barriers seniors face in accessing digital health tools—barriers that are often invisible but deeply consequential.
At the same time, leading GeroTechSC has allowed me to take what I learn in the classroom and apply it directly in the community. Teaching older adults how to use smartphones, navigate telehealth, and reconnect with loved ones online has been incredibly meaningful. These one-on-one interactions have reminded me that gerontology isn’t just about extending life—it’s about improving the quality and dignity of life at every age.
Studying gerontology at USC means being part of a community that values both academic rigor and compassion. It has prepared me not just to understand the science of aging, but to lead change in a rapidly aging world. That, to me, is the most rewarding part.
Sarada Lakshmanan
Program: Minor in Gerontology: Individuals, Societies, and Aging
What’s next?
Psy.D. candidate at Spalding University in Louisville, KY
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
Realizing that this world wasn’t set up for older adults and that the change starts with us.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
It’s so incredibly rewarding! The stories they tell you about their lives and going through life changes have shifted my perspective.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
I love GERO and being part of the GEMSTEM program. It changed the trajectory of my life and imbued a passion for working with older adults that the psych world desperately needs.
Tania Malone
Program: Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG)
What’s next?
Pursuing my MSW
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part about studying for gerontology at USC was discovering my passion to help older adults at end-of-life.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
You would be amazed at what you can learn when talking to an older adult. There is wisdom to be gained in each interaction.
Cassandra McGill
Program: Doctor of Philosophy in Biology of Aging (PhD)
What’s next?
Postdoctoral Fellow at the Rozalyn Anderson Lab at University of Wisconsin, Madison
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
Having the ability to collaborate with experts and labs in various fields of aging biology in the same building Everyone ages. Understanding the biological mechanisms behind aging is crucial to be able to age gracefully.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
I am grateful for the friendships and collaborations I’ve made here at USC, and encourage anyone interested in working in the Gerontology field to look into the many programs offered.
Ethan Panoussi
Program: Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Aging
What’s next?
Continue as clinical scribe at SCOI and prepare to apply to medical school.
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
As an aspiring physician, I feel that the School of Gerontology not only prepared me to recognize and address the many disparities in healthcare, but also empowered me to become an advocate for patients in need. I am deeply grateful to the professors who guided me throughout this journey. A special thank you to Dr. John Walsh, Dr. Tara Mastro, and Dr. Deborah Hoe for their unwavering support and for being an integral part of my experience at USC.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
This field of healthcare is often underrepresented and neglected. Many elderly patients are overlooked simply because of their age or condition, which can sadly contribute to a decline in their well-being. Studying gerontology provides a strong foundation in both human physiology and psychology, allowing us to apply these principles to support aging adults effectively. In my experience working with older adults, I’ve learned that many of them simply want to be heard. Having someone who will listen and advocate for them—regardless of their age or health status—can make a profound difference and sets compassionate healthcare providers apart from the rest.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
For anyone who is considering a position in healthcare, especially working with the elderly population, I would recommend the School of Gerontology. From the knowledgeable professors to the state-of-the-art facilities and the wide range of research and hands-on opportunities, you’ll grow to love and appreciate the depth of this field. Not only will you build a strong academic foundation, but you’ll also develop the empathy, cultural competence, and practical skills needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of older adults.
Grace Sauers
Program: Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG)
What’s next?
Director of Memory Care at Laurel Senior Living
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part of studying gerontology at USC has been gaining the academic knowledge and practical tools to impact the lives of older adults while supporting my career goals and aspirations. As a Memory Care Director, I use what I’ve learned every single day to create meaningful, person-centered experiences that enhance residents’ quality of life. The Leonard Davis School’s interdisciplinary approach to gerontology has deepened my understanding of aging, allowing me to develop innovative programming and provide ethical care.
Talia Shakib-Khou
Program: Master of Science in Nutrition, Healthspan and Longevity (MSNHL)
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part about studying gerontology at USC is having the privilege to learn from inspiring professors and mentors, and applying the knowledge I’ve gained to empower patients and communities during my rotations.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
I would want others to understand that gerontology is not only about studying aging in the context of longevity, but equally about promoting a healthier, more fulfilling life through the aging process.
I am beyond grateful for the privilege of being part of the MSNHL program. This program has provided me with invaluable knowledge, experiences, resources, and connections to flourish as a Registered Dietitian in the near future.
Sharidan Sotelo
Program: Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG)
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
Coming back to USC after a 30 year absence from academia into the fascinating world of gerontology has opened up my eyes to all the nuances of the world of older adults. This program has expanded my universe from my current career as a film and television editor, into one where I know my work can directly contribute to enriching the lives of older adults and their caregivers.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
Gerontology is a multi-disciplinary field in the truest sense of the word. You can’t talk about the lifespan without touching upon the physiology, psychology, sociology, and policy of being an older adult. Working with older adults is all about highlighting their autonomy and helping them make educated choices in order to live a robust and fulfilling third act — which in every great story is the climax.
I took in this master’s program one class at a time, and I felt that focus was crucial in each topic. The insights of my professors at Leonard Davis honed my knowledge as a Gerontologist and made my dream of getting a master’s degree a reality. I am now proud to be entering into the the Doctorate of Longevity Arts and Sciences program in the fall continuing my Trojan Spirit at USC. Fight On!
Tiffany Veeder
Program: Master of Arts in Medical Gerontology (MAMG)
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part of studying at USC is utilizing what was learned in class and applying it to real life situations, like patient-centered care.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
Gerontology is more than just the study of aging, it’s about understanding the rich, complex lives of older adults and honoring their experiences. Working with older adults requires empathy, patience, and respect. It’s incredibly rewarding because you’re not only supporting individuals through health challenges or life transitions, but you’re also learning from decades of wisdom and resilience. People often underestimate the vibrancy, insight, and emotional depth of this population. I’d want others to know that aging is not a decline, but a different stage of growth and working in gerontology gives you the privilege of walking alongside people as they navigate it.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
It was an amazing journey with amazing people along the way.
Christi Vrban
Program: Master of Arts in Gerontology (MAG)
What’s next?
Currently employed as a Corporate Gerontologist at The Hartford Insurance Group
Q: What is the most rewarding or interesting part about studying gerontology at USC?
The most rewarding part of studying gerontology at USC is the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and innovative solutions for aging-related challenges. The school’s strong connection to industry and policy made it the right choice for me as I further my contribution to real-world advancements serving the mature consumer.
Q: What would you want others to know about gerontology and working with older adults?
Gerontology is a diverse and rewarding field that encompasses psychology, sociology, policy, technology, and business. It is not just about addressing challenges related to aging but also about recognizing the strength, wisdom, and contributions that older adults bring to our society.
