"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 employees of COCM.

Patrick Savolskis is the Executive Director Purchase College Association at SUNY-Purchase. He has over twenty years of success both in higher education and private industry. Patrick spent five years in the privatized student housing market managing properties and working with development teams for new construction and turning around failing properties by building a solid staff and focusing on what was important at each property.

During the conversation, Patrick shares interesting stories and reminisces about the early days of COCM, where meetings took place in hotel rooms, highlighting the company's humble beginnings and expresses admiration for COCM's growth.

Listen in as Patrick reflects on what he learned from his time at COCM, the valuable skills he gained, and how they’ve served him in his work life post COCM. Plus, he shares his advice with new employees of COCM.

Topics Covered  

How Patrick came to COCM and the roles he served in during his tenure

COCM—the early days: small teams and humble beginnings

Patrick’s career post COCM

The value of working at COCM, learning atypical skills, and working for a family-like organization

Why leadership that helps you succeed is better

Patrick's advice for new employees of COCM

Connect with Patrick

Patrick Savolskis - Purchase College Association

Patrick on LinkedIn 

Connect with Alton

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Alton at COCM

Alton on LinkedIn

Email media@cocm.com  

"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, Masha Sapper, SVP of Business Services at COCM, sits down with George Frasier of Green River College. 

George Frasier is the Vice President for College Advancement and Executive Director of Green River College Foundation. George is a non-profit executive and development professional with 28 years of experience and is passionate about supporting the educational dreams and aspirations of Green River Community College students.

George discusses his role at the Green River and the college's focus on meeting students where they are, helping them find their path, and the transformative power of education in the community college and vocational space.

Listen in as George shares the significance of student housing at Green River, its integration into the college's mission, the instrumental role that COCM played in fostering a collaborative and supportive environment for students, and his personal stories and experience working with several COCM staff members.

Topics Covered  

George's background and his role at Green River College

What didn’t work, and the three partners that worked toward the integration of student housing into Green River's mission
The pandemic’s impact on Green River’s international population and their adaptive changes

The evolution and success of the management partnership with COCM and the importance of strong partnerships in ensuring student success

George shares his personal stories and positive experiences working with COCM employees

The transformative power of education in the community college setting

Connect with George

Leadership Team - Green River College

George on LinkedIn 

Connect with Masha

Student Housing Matters

Student Housing Matters on Facebook

Student Housing Matters on Twitter

Capstone On-Campus Management

Masha at COCM

Masha on LinkedIn

Email media@cocm.com