Meet the Class of 2022: Jim Pisula (B’94, MSF’22) on Building a Legacy at Georgetown
As the spring semester comes to a close, Georgetown McDonough is pleased to commemorate the accomplishments of the Class of 2022. This year’s graduating class demonstrated immense resiliency and determination to reach this milestone, and we are proud to recognize their achievements as they start their next chapter as Hoya alumni. To celebrate, Georgetown McDonough is spotlighting several of the exceptional students in the Class of 2022 as they share their personal stories, reflect on their time on the Hilltop, and preview what’s next after commencement.
Not many parents can say they’ve attended the same university as their children – let alone at the same time. This rare legacy connection has been a welcome opportunity for Jim Pisula (B’94, MSF’22), who is graduating with his Master of Science in Finance (MSF) on May 20, after studying for the past two years alongside his daughter.
Pisula comes from a long line of Georgetown graduates, which started with his father, Arthur Pisula (SFS’54), his sister, Barbara Pisula Longue (B’83), his wife, Nadja Pisula-Litoff (COL’94), and now his daughter, Dora Pisula-Litoff (C’25).
The soon-to-be double Hoya shared his greatest lessons from the MSF program, his plans to utilize MSF concepts to invigorate his company, Pisula Development Company, and his advice for the next cohort of Georgetown students.
What is your favorite memory or proudest moment from your time at Georgetown?
I think just being able to complete my studies while running a company at the same time is my proudest accomplishment – it has been a lot of work, to say the least!
How do you plan to apply the skills you have learned at Georgetown in the next phase of your career?
I definitely plan to incorporate my renewed understanding of accounting, the concepts of building effective teams, and even some of the real estate investment analysis into my work.
What is one of the most important lessons you have learned while at Georgetown?
Don’t be afraid to ask for help – whether from the professors and administrators or from your classmates. And make sure to return the favor, if requested. We are all in this together!
Is there a particular person in the Georgetown community that has been instrumental to your success?
I hate to single any one person out since I have thoroughly enjoyed each of my classes and professors as well as my classmates, but I would note the efforts of both Professors Eberhart and Angel. Professor Eberhart always seemed to bring not just an inspirational understanding of financial theory to his classes and discussions but also a sense of humor, and Professor Angel pushed me to not just produce master-level work but to also be prepared to present at any time.
How have you and your daughter been able to make the most out of your time at Georgetown together?
I have taken every opportunity to spend as much time on the campus so that I could visit her! We have also enjoyed and laughed at the emails about campus events and other updates that we both get as students.
What are your post-graduate plans?
To be honest, I am not sure. I will likely stay in my same industry (commercial real estate investment) but with a renewed interest in the field and a desire to take our firm to new, more focused levels.
What advice would you give to the next class of Georgetown students?
Prioritize the videos and the problem sets! But really, worry less about the grades and more about understanding the materials – that is what will serve you in the future.