How Universities and Senior Living Communities Can Strengthen Each Other: Insights from the BUILD Conference
- ClarkLindsey
- Jun 10, 2019
- 2 min read
A recent panel at Senior Housing News’ BUILD conference explored how senior living organizations and universities can form stronger, mutually beneficial partnerships. Leaders from across the country—including ClarkLindsey President & CEO Deb Reardanz—discussed how collaboration can support enrollment, workforce development, and innovation in senior living. The conversation highlighted both the challenges and the long-term potential of these relationships.
What Happened
During the BUILD conference in Chicago, senior living executives and university-affiliated leaders examined why partnerships between higher education and senior living organizations often move slowly—and why they’re still worth pursuing. Panelists noted that while academic institutions and senior living providers sometimes operate on different timelines or priorities, the long-term benefits can be significant.
Speakers emphasized that universities facing enrollment pressures may find new opportunities by partnering with senior living communities. These collaborations can create additional revenue streams, expand educational offerings, and strengthen campus appeal for prospective students and employees.
Deb Reardanz of ClarkLindsey shared how proximity to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has supported workforce recruitment and retention. She noted that faculty and staff increasingly value having high-quality senior living options nearby—whether for their own future planning or for aging family members.
Panelists also highlighted the natural alignment between universities and senior living providers. Students gain access to internships, volunteer opportunities, and hands-on learning, while senior living organizations benefit from fresh perspectives and additional support. Shared service providers—such as food vendors and facilities partners—can also make collaboration more efficient.
Why This Matters
Both universities and senior living organizations are navigating major demographic and economic shifts. Enrollment declines, workforce shortages, and rising operational costs are pushing institutions to think creatively about partnerships.
For senior living communities, university collaboration can:
Strengthen workforce pipelines
Support innovation through student engagement
Enhance visibility and credibility within the local community
For universities, these partnerships can:
Provide new revenue opportunities
Offer meaningful learning experiences for students
Improve campus appeal for faculty and staff
When these relationships work well, they create environments where older adults, students, and educators all benefit.
Key Details at a Glance
Event: Senior Housing News’ BUILD conference in Chicago
Topic: Partnerships between universities and senior living organizations
ClarkLindsey Representation: Deb Reardanz, President & CEO
Key Themes: Enrollment challenges, workforce development, shared services, and co-located communities
Notable Insight: Student involvement and internships can accelerate innovation within senior living organizations
Broader Context
Across the country, interest in university-based or university-affiliated senior living communities is growing. These models appeal to older adults seeking lifelong learning, intergenerational engagement, and access to campus amenities. At the same time, universities benefit from diversified revenue and stronger community ties.
ClarkLindsey’s ongoing collaboration with the University of Illinois reflects this national trend. As more institutions explore similar partnerships, the insights shared at BUILD offer a roadmap for navigating challenges and unlocking long-term value.
Source Attribution: This post is based on publicly reported information originally covered by Senior Housing News.
