A Bright Future

The USC Davis School of Gerontology's Fall 2010 Orientation Promises An Exciting Beginning
By Jonathan Riggs

     Students past, present and future met and mingled at the USC Davis School of Gerontology’s 2010 Fall Orientation last Friday. For some, it was a thrilling beginning to a new chapter.
     “I like helping people,” said incoming freshman Valerie Cromwell, “and I can’t wait to start this first semester.”
     “I’m so excited to be at SC,” online Master of Arts in Gerontology student Justin Eastwood said. “Fight on!”
     After some icebreakers and lunch with the faculty, the students assembled in the USC Davis Auditorium, where Associate Dean Dr. Bob Knight officially welcomed them.
     “You’re now part of the Trojan family, which people take very seriously. That will follow you and help you for the rest of your lives,” Knight said. “The same thing is true for the Davis School-you’re part of our family now: not only the ones you’ll meet here, but also everyone who’s ever passed through these halls.”
     Although they each brought their own particular skills and interests to the program-dental health, kinesiology, architecture and design, television and film production, HR, nursing-a common thread among the new students was a desire to benefit society.
     “After caregiving for my mother, I realized there was a whole other world,” said Debbie Lowenstein, an online Master of Aging Services Management student. “I wanted to help somebody, not help somebody’s bottom line.”
     Introductions followed-to new faculty members Dr. Cleopatra Abdou and Dr. Sean Curran, to each present faculty member, and to each of the new students themselves.
     “I want to congratulate you on being here,” Dr. Kate Wilber said. “Gerontology is a very dynamic field, and the Davis School is a very supportive place.”
     ‘They are in good hands because of the staff that works here,” student academic advisor Jim deVera said. “There aren't too many other departments who can claim the level of service we do for our students.”
     Freshman, master’s or Ph.D. student-everyone seemed eager to begin their USC Davis School experience.
     “This is my dream,” said Tammy Nguyen, an incoming Master of Science in Gerontology student. “I’ll admit it: I cried a little when I found out I got in.”