For Lori Lerwill, getting a degree seemed like a dream — one she could never manage to achieve. Between homeschooling four children and keeping the books for her family’s business, she just never had time. She got the chance she’d been waiting for when she enrolled in Oregon State University’s online hospitality management bachelor’s degree program.
Lerwill was motivated to enroll when an injury derailed her family business. “We started talking about what’s next, what’s our next step,” she said. A career in hospitality was the answer.
Oregon State’s innovative program is designed to prepare students like Lerwill for real-world work in resorts, restaurants and casinos. A strong connection to industry partners means students can practice their skills and make key connections.
A dedicated student with plenty of talent, she quickly captured the attention of her Oregon State professors. Soon, she was invited to participate in a trip to Alaska to study the impact of tourism on the local economy.
Lerwill is already thinking about how she’ll use her online hospitality management degree to advance her career. “I’ve always said I would love to either work or live in an old building. I would love to have multiple revenue streams in an old building. Some place that’s a community gathering place,” she said.
Hear Lerwill discuss her education — in her own words — in this video produced by OSU-Cascades.
