Dan Landsman

When the pandemic shifted Dan's work life to a remote setting, Dan seized the opportunity to reevaluate his career path. Having been an undergraduate student at another Chicago university, Loyola's proximity and prestige made it a natural choice for Dan as he pondered the next step in his academic and professional pursuits.

"When the pandemic hit, that was really kind of my opportunity because all of a sudden I found myself working remotely. I thought, 'Why not look for continuing my education and academic career?'".

Returning to school as an adult after years in the workforce brought both excitement and trepidation for Dan. With a rich background in the medical field spanning nearly three decades, the prospect of delving into academia once more stirred a sense of rejuvenation within him, prompting him to envision new possibilities for his career. As the director of admissions for a specialty pharmacy, Dan saw his graduate degree as a catalyst for exploring alternative paths within the healthcare landscape beyond his current role. SCPS's Masters in Public Leadership Service program presented him with a platform to expand his horizons, challenging him to reimagine his professional trajectory and consider diverse career avenues.

"I've had some of the most incredible opportunities to work at great organizations across the city of Chicago and beyond. This graduate degree is going to give me a chance to really take a step back and see what kind of other opportunities are out there and how this changes the trajectory of the second half of my professional life."

Navigating the academic landscape after decades away from formal education brought along challenges. Dan found himself grappling with unfamiliar concepts like APA formatting and adjusting to asynchronous learning methods; however, his determination to excel set an example for his family and fueled his commitment to academic success. Alongside forming meaningful connections with peers and engaging closely with professors, Dan embraced the responsibility of balancing his studies with full-time employment.