Helping Others Through Business Accounting alumna shares how she found her calling at GMercyU
Helping Others Through Business Accounting alumna shares how she found her calling at GMercyU
Karen Christiansen ’ 92 , like many
GMercyU students , wanted to stay local for college . Her beloved grandmother “ Gram ” was in the advanced stages of dementia and she wanted to spend as much time with her as possible .
“ It wasn ’ t as if just saying I wanted to stay local meant , ‘ oh well Gwynedd Mercy is the default choice .’ I did all the visits and really what drove me most to Gwynedd Mercy was probably what draws most : the mission and the people that I met ,” Karen said .
“ It was clear their mission isn ’ t just words . What resonated most was wanting to be an Accounting major , but recognizing that there was much more I wanted than just being a business student .”
The more time Karen spent with her Gram , the more she realized she wanted to help those in similar situations . There was one problem . She was an Accounting major , not the typical “ helping profession .”
That ’ s when a conversation with a professor changed her life .
“ Mrs . Joanne Trotter , who at that time was my Marketing professor , reminded me the mission of GMercyU was to help all students make a difference ,” Karen said .
“ She reminded me that compassion , love , and service are not limited to the health sciences or to direct caregivers . Mrs . Trotter was a perfect example of that , and so I stayed the course .”
As Karen commuted from Gram ’ s to GMercyU , she passed two senior living communities along the way . After researching , she learned they were a part of Acts Retirement- Life Communities , Inc . ( Acts ) and was immediately drawn to the organization ’ s mission and purpose .
Founded and headquartered in Fort Washington , Pa ., Acts is a faith-based organization that is among the largest not-for-profits of continuing care retirement communities in the nation and serves approximately 10,000 residents across various levels of living .
Karen ’ s GMercyU education prepared her to take her major in the direction that best aligned with her passion . So , that ’ s what she did .
Karen started her career with Acts as Manager of Financial Operations in 1996 and became a Vice President in 2003 . She was appointed the organization ’ s Chief Financial Officer ( CFO ) in 2014 and was promoted to President in 2020 .
It was clear their mission isn ’ t just words . What resonated most was wanting to be an Accounting major , but recognizing that there was much more I wanted than just being a business student .
“ Every industry needs a variety of people in order for an organization to really meet its mission . Challenge the stereotype . If you ’ re majoring in something , you don ’ t have to do what ’ s considered the traditional path ,” Karen said . “ I didn ’ t do the traditional . Every major has the opportunity to make an impact .”
Learn more about Karen ’ s career journey and watch her inspiring Commencement speech here :
TODAY 3