About the same time, he gave $5 million as a founding gift to start the Erickson School, located at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County campus, which offers undergraduate, graduate, masters, doctoral, and executive development programs in aging care. “In the end all of those things are connected, and it’s really just about changing the negative views on aging and making life better for everyone. It’s as simple as that,” Erickson says.
The big picture
Looking to the future, Erickson also recently renovated an old boy scout camp at the headwaters of the Chesapeake Bay and offers character education and state public school curriculum to Baltimore’s inner city youth.
The creation of The Erickson Foundation, a charitable trust, ties it all together. It supports projects that promote successful aging, the training and education of disadvantaged youth, aging research, and higher education initiatives. “Most would have stopped after they were ahead,” Dan Rexford executive vice president for Erickson Retirement Communities says, “But John has tremendous vision and a great heart.”
Continuing the tradition
In recognition of Erickson’s efforts and contributions to the industry, the NIC Board of Directors and the Colson family donated $100,000 each to the Erickson School.
Humbled by the awards and gifts, Erickson thanks his employees “for making us look good and expertly delivering our product,” and the 20,000-some residents “who have chosen to be part of our communities.”
Better aging for all
The following organizations were all created by John Erickson:
Erickson Retirement Communities
Motto:
“Dynamic communities that celebrate life.”
Mission: Twenty communities serving more than 20,000 residents across the nation, Erickson communities provide a unique, engaging atmosphere for people who want to live retirement to its fullest.
The Erickson Tribune
Motto: “Inform. Inspire. Involve.”
Mission: The Erickson Tribune, the nation’s fastest-growing monthly retirement newspaper, is filled with information, resources, and articles that cover a wide range of topics for today’s retiree. With more than five million readers, the Tribune engages people who seek a more fulfilling retirement lifestyle.
Erickson Health
SM
Motto: “Erickson Health empowers you to live even better, no matter what your health.”
Mission: An unparalleled network of experienced doctors who share their best practices to offer you exceptional care, Erickson Health stands alone as a leader in health care for the mature adult.
Erickson Advantage
Motto: “Care on your terms at your door.”
Mission: Erickson Advantage, a health insurance plan designed with the needs of Erickson residents in mind, emphasizes preventing health problems from developing, not just treating them after they arise.
NorthBay
Motto: “Character, Leadership, Adventure, Discovery.”
Mission: NorthBay provides a phenomenal opportunity for middle school students to understand that their lives are just as fragile as a delicate ecosystem. A unique program, NorthBay combines education and life lessons to empower students at a pivotal time in their lives.
Renaissance Gardens
Motto: “The choice you can feel good about.”
Mission: Renaissance Gardens is the nation’s premier provider of assisted living and skilled nursing care.
The Erickson Foundation
Motto: “Education across the lifespan.”
Mission: Established as a private operating foundation in 1999, the Erickson Foundation supports projects that promote successful aging, the training and education of disadvantaged youth, aging research, and higher education initiatives.
The Erickson School
Motto: “Preparing leaders for the changing world of aging.”
Mission: In partnership with the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, the Erickson School of Aging, Management and Policy explicitly focuses on preparing leaders passionate about enhancing the lives of older adults in the fields of practice and public policy.