Order of the O Alumni Spotlight: Grace Kuo
As part of our Order of the O Alumni Spotlight feature, meet Grace Kuo!
Kuo (pictured on the right above) was a member of the Acrobatics & Tumbling program from 2009-11 and part of the inaugural NCATA National Championship team during her time at Oregon.
She now is the manager and co-founder of a real estate investment company, MWGM Properties, with her husband. She also continues work as a practicing therapist licensed in California and Oregon.
Learn more about her favorite things about being a Duck and how it helped shape her future career as a business owner and therapist! You can also follow her adventures with MWGM Properties on the company's Instagram (@MWGMProperties) or on their website (mwgmproperties.com/).
GRACE KUO PROFILE
Major(s) & Minor(s) – Major in Psychology with a minor in Business Administration
Sport and Position: Acrobatics and Tumbling - Base
Years Competed at Oregon: 2009-2011
Current Location: Glendora, Calif.
Hometown: West Covina, Calif.
Current Professional Title: Manager and Co-Founder of MWGM Properties, in addition to being a licensed marriage and family therapist
GRACE KUO Q&A
Why did you choose the University of Oregon?
I transferred in the middle of my sophomore year from a school in Georgia to follow my coach at the time, Fee Mulkey to the University of Oregon. I also wanted to be a part of a larger university and I love the fact that the mascot is a duck!
What is one of your favorite memories while attending University of Oregon?
One of my favorite memories was when our team won the first-ever NCATA National Championships at the then-newly built Matthew Knight Arena!
Tell us a little about what you’re doing now:
Currently, I live in Glendora, Calif. with my husband and my two dogs, Mochi and Wobbles. Professionally, I’m a real estate investor and a therapist. My husband and I started a real estate investment company three years ago where we renovate distressed properties to improve and add value to neighborhoods. One of the locations we invest in is the Eugene/Springfield area right near U of O and have done a couple of homes in the area. I’m also still a practicing therapist licensed in California and Oregon.
How has your education and experience as a student-athlete at the University of Oregon influenced or helped you in your life and career?
Being a student athlete, I learned how to balance, prioritize, focus, and pivot. In my career now, my day-to-day operations change often, so I need to prioritize what’s important. Surprisingly, what I majored in actually connects with what I do, which I’m also very thankful for. Learning how to work with people is probably the most important aspect in my career. I depend on many people daily for our projects to succeed.
What is one professional highlight/project either currently or in the past? How did you go about making it a reality?
We just completed a log cabin renovation on the “Hoover Cabin” in McKenzie Bridge, Ore. at the Log Cabin Inn. This one was one of the most unique and most challenging projects we’ve ever taken on. This cabin has a unique history with some celebrity guests who have stayed there. It sat vacant for many years after the fires in 2006, and is the only remaining cabin from the original Inn. We recently completed the renovations and have opened it up to guests to stay there and experience the history.
What advice do you have for current student-athletes?
Maintain a growth mindset, network, take advantage of opportunities, and set goals. The University of Oregon provides so many resources and opportunities for student-athletes – you just need to capitalize on those resources and opportunities.
What is the best thing about being a Duck?
The alumni network and community. I live in So Cal and I will see my neighbors drive by with an Oregon sticker on their car. There’s a sense of pride for our school and a strong network that continues on after you graduate.
