Graduate Stories

One of the best ways to evaluate a career path and a specific graduate program is to learn from those with firsthand knowledge. In March-April, 2012, Program Director, Dr. Tom Meuser, visited with various recent graduates to discuss their experiences at UMSL and their career paths in aging. All graduated with the MSG degree and secured positions in the field. All now work as "UMSL Gerontologists" in the St. Louis area and maintain close ties with UMSL and their fellow graduates.

Liz Yates, MSG (2010 Graduate)

Professional Position as of 4/12:
Life Enrichment Director, Memory Care Neighborhood, Alexian Brothers Landsdowne Village

Undergraduate Major: Psychology

MSG Practicum Placements:
- Apartment Community of Our Lady of the Snows
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of St. Louis

Interview segments with Dr. Meuser:

What is your current position?

Decision to pursue gerontology?

Experience in program?

Important learning experiences?

Advice for prospective students?

Rachel Lugge, MSG (2007 Graduate)

Professional position as of 4/12:
Walk Teams Manager, Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis

Prior Title (2007-2011):
IL Outreach Coordinator

Undergraduate Major: Psychology

MSG Practicum Placements:
- Apartment Community of Our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL
- Alzheimer's Association

Interview Segments with Dr. Meuser:

Segments coming soon...

Torrey Johnson, MSG (2010 Graduate)

Professional Position as of 4/12:
Program Coordinator
SAGE of Metro St. Louis

Undergraduate Major: Liberal Arts

MSG Practicum Placements:
- Apartment Community of our Lady of the Snows, Belleville, IL
- Alzheimer's Association of St. Louis

Interview segments with Dr. Meuser:

What does SAGE do?

Your job at SAGE?

Experience as student at UMSL?

Community of UMSL Gerontologists

Advice for Prospective Students

Debbie Eldridge, MBA, MSG (2010 Graduate)

Professional position as of 4/12:
Volunteer Coordinator, Alzheimer's Association, St. Louis

Undergraduate Major: English Literature

Other Graduate Degree: MBA

MSG Practicum Placements:
- Shepherd Center of Kirkwood, MO
- Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program of St. Louis

Interview segments with Dr. Meuser:

Segments coming soon...

Martin "Mileko" Coopwood, MSG (2010 Graduate)

Professional Position as of 4/12:
Facility Surveyor 1
Division of Regulation and Licensure
Department of Health and Senior Services
St. Louis, Missouri

Undergraduate Major: Sociology

MSG Practicum: SAGE (double placement)

Interview segments with Dr. Meuser:

What is your role at DHSS?

Learning at UMSL?

What is an UMSL Gerontologist?

Advice for students in aging?