Libsyn Directory

Creating a Positive Living Experience - with COCM's Maria Saad

Release Date: 02/21/2023

Gray Bekurs Talks the Impact of Housing on Student Recruitment & Retention

Student Housing Matters

Today we explore the profound impact of on-campus housing on student recruitment and retention. In this episode, we sit down with Gray Bekurs, VP of Business Development at COCM, to discuss: • How on-campus housing influences a prospective student's decision to attend a particular university. • Innovative strategies COCM has implemented to make on-campus housing more appealing to new students. • The relationship between quality student housing and student retention rates. Specific features or amenities in student housing that have been shown to positively impact student retention. •...

Transforming student housing spaces with Liz Toombs

Student Housing Matters

In this episode, we’re chatting with Liz Toombs of PDR Interiors, about her experience in transforming student housing spaces into havens of mental well-being. Liz, a Certified Interior Decorator, has channeled her expertise into creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also promote mental health across numerous campuses. Her work, recognized by major media outlets, reflects a commitment to nurturing environments where students can thrive. Beyond her design achievements, Liz's dedication to community and empowerment, seen through her philanthropic efforts and mentorship programs,...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Financial Reporting in Student Housing with Emily Hill and Stephanie Lachina

Student Housing Matters

I've always enjoyed the collaborative team aspect and problem-solving with clients,” - Stephanie Lachina Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Emily Hill, COCM Corporate Accountant, and Stephanie Lachina, COCM Financial Reporting Accountant, sit down to discuss the integral role financial reporting plays in the student housing industry and how the financial services at COCM have evolved over the years. Emily and Stephanie delve into the...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Inside COCM's DEI Task Force with Dr. Mecca Marsh, Corey Reedy, and Kern Williams

Student Housing Matters

"I think that the important part is making sure that we have a variety of voices at the table... looking at what their concerns are and their perspective. That's going to be important as the DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) task force moves forward," - Kern Williams Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." College campuses are the pulse of the political landscape, and it's crucial to engage the right people in the conversations to incite change. On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," h,...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: How COCM's Student Housing Calculator Revolutionizing Student Housing with Doug Brown

Student Housing Matters

“Housing is a critical activity that relates directly to the status of the university, and if it's not healthy, the rest of the institution is not either,” - Doug Brown, President, COCM Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of "Student Housing Matters," Gray Bekurs, Vice President of Business Development sits down with Doug Brown, President of Capstone On-Campus Management (COCM) to discuss COCM’s implementation of the Student Housing Calculator for use in forecasting...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Fostering Leadership Excellence with Dr. Sharon McDade

Student Housing Matters

"Strike up conversations with everyone you possibly can while you're at conferences, you never know what threads will come from them. Thank you, Doug, for talking with me on a bus ride, oh, so many years ago. And [to COCM] for being such engaged participants in addressing leadership issues for the fellows," - Dr. Sharon McDade Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Alton Irwin, Director, and Chief Marketing Officer at COCM, sits down with Dr. Sharon...

Leading Maintenance Teams with Care & Respect – with Hermond Lawson, Chris Adams & Chenal Alford

Student Housing Matters

What makes a Director of Facilities successful in leading their maintenance team? It’s more than just showing up and doing the job. And it’s more than just taking good care of the facility. Success comes from taking care of the students and staff as well, building relationships with them as people to make sure they have what they need to thrive. Chris Adams is Director of Facilities for The Village at the University of South Florida, Chenal Alford (better known as Al) is Director of Facilities for Millennium Hall at Towson University, and Hermond Lawson serves as Assistant Director of...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: COCM's Early Days and Path to Success with Patrick Savolskis

Student Housing Matters

"The great thing about Capstone is it gives you the ability to get some skills that you wouldn't have, otherwise, for years. Especially because in housing, it's not like you're back in the office somewhere, just pushing paper; you're right there on the frontline with students," - Patrick Savolskis Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Alton Irwin, Director, and Chief Marketing Officer at COCM, sits down with Patrick Savolskis, one of the very early...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: Green River College and COCM: A Partnership for Student Success with George Frasier

Student Housing Matters

"I've really enjoyed working with Capstone. Capstone is truly a learning organization, and our relationship has evolved over time. I've never doubted that we had their attention. I appreciate that commitment to the project and making sure the resident life experience is where it needs to be," - George Frasier, Green River College Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, , SVP of Business Services at COCM, sits down with George Frasier of Green River...

Celebrating 20 Years of Excellence: COCM and BGSU A Powerful Partnership with Sheri Stoll

Student Housing Matters

"It was just this juxtaposition of people from very different places with their heads down working on stuff. And I thought, you know, this is going to work, and it's going to work well. And everything that we couldn't have hoped for, and more has happened. And I'm very appreciative." - Sheri Stoll Join us as we celebrate COCM's 20th anniversary with the theme "Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, and Building the Future." On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Alton Irwin, Director, and Chief Marketing Officer at COCM, sits down with Sheri Stoll of Bowling Green State University...

More Episodes

For Maria Saad, of the COCM team providing guidance and making a positive impact on students' lives is not just a job—it's a passion.

On this episode of Student Housing Matters, Maria sits down to share her insights on the student housing industry.

As someone who believes that 'it's more of a learning experience for the students,' Maria shares why she ‘is passionate about providing guidance and making a positive impact on student's lives and why, for her, 'it's all about the experience' and 'making that connection' with students.

In this episode, Maria takes us on a journey through her experiences from her multifamily background to her current role at CSCM.

We discuss the challenges facing the industry today and Maria shares her wisdom on how to create a successful student housing experience that goes beyond the classroom and the importance of providing guidance and teaching moments for students who are living on their own for the first time.

Maria also shares her experience attending Lease Con and the profound impact it had on her approach to creating a positive living experience for students. She shares several strategies for personifying the brand and becoming the experience, which is the biggest focus for her and her team in driving growth and making a connection with students.

Listen in to hear Maria's unique perspective on the importance of creating a positive living experience for students and the impact it can have on their lives.