Photo courtesy of Andre Lapeyrolerie.
I’ve learned that embracing change isn’t just necessary; it’s an advantage
Andre Lapeyrolerie was soul searching. After decades in the tech industry, what was next? How could the Microsoft account executive continue to evolve and upskill?
At a crossroads, he found clarity through two distinct opportunities in community service and corporate philanthropy, along with a serendipitous LinkedIn message.
Lapeyrolerie was serving as a community relations commissioner in Plano, Texas, and a “Give Champion” at Microsoft, discovering fulfillment in connecting people, ideas and resources for greater impact. Then, a recruiter reached out to him via LinkedIn, suggesting that he would be a great fit for one of USC Annenberg’s newest graduate-level offerings: the Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management (PRISM) (MS) online master’s program.
“The PRISM program’s emphasis immediately resonated with me,” Lapeyrolerie said. He realized unlike traditional MBA programs, for example, PRISM provided not just technical skills, but a framework for leadership and vision. “After the information session, I knew this program was the perfect fit.”
Courses like “Data-Driven Brand Storytelling,” “Employee Communication” and “Emerging Game-Changers for Communication Practitioners” allowed him to translate cutting-edge concepts into tangible results, equipping him with tactics to enhance engagement, leverage AI and analytics, and align communication practices with his commitment to technology, innovation and service. “These classes weren’t just theoretical — they were transformative,” he explained.
Lapeyrolerie also praised the PRISM faculty — who include CEOs, COOs, marketing executives and business owners — for designing a curriculum tailored to today’s industry demands. “Their real-world experience brought key concepts to life,” he said.
Even as an online student, being part of the Trojan Family was deeply meaningful for Lapeyrolerie.
“Community begins with people and the unique personalities, skills, gifts and abilities they bring to the table,” he said. “What makes my fellow classmates stand out is their team-oriented approach, transparency and down-to-earth nature. This has fostered an environment where collaboration feels natural and fluid.”
Lapeyrolerie highlighted the camaraderie that emerged through group chats and team projects. “It gave the online experience a true campus vibe.”
The South Central Los Angeles native grew up just a few miles from the University Park campus, and now sees walking across the stage at USC Annenberg’s 2025 commencement ceremony on May 16 as a homecoming some 40 years in the making.
“Coming back to L.A. and to USC feels like a dream fulfilled,” Lapeyrolerie said. Sharing this milestone with his younger sister, Melanie, also a USC graduate, makes the achievement even more significant.
Raised off Hoover Street, Lapeyrolerie’s early years were shaped by both hardship and resilience. “Things dramatically changed when my father passed away from cancer when I was seven,” he said. With his mother returning to school to become a nurse, the support of the community became vital. “The phrase ‘it takes a village’ wasn’t just a saying — it was our reality.”
After earning a bachelor’s in engineering, Lapeyrolerie’s journey took him to Texas where he built a robust career in customer engineering, software support and sales with tech giants like IBM and later Microsoft. Along the way he learned to problem-solve and manage customer relationships, thriving in roles that demanded constant adaptation as technologies evolved.
“I’ve learned that embracing change isn’t just necessary; it’s an advantage,” he said, crediting mentorship as one of the cornerstones of his professional growth.
Looking ahead, Lapeyrolerie envisions the future of public relations as a fusion of authenticity and innovation. “The PR professional of tomorrow must balance empathy and tech-savviness, trust and transformation,” he said. For other seasoned professionals considering graduate school, he offers simple advice: “Challenge yourself — regardless of your age or where you are in your career — in a way that aligns with what you naturally enjoy doing. It’s never too late.”
Reflecting on his path — from L.A. to Dallas, from IBM to Microsoft to USC — Lapeyrolerie emphasizes one truth: “This experience brought everything full circle. It reminded me that while purpose is rooted in who we are; it has the power to grow, adapt and drive us toward greater possibilities.”
This story originally appeared on the USC Annenberg News site.
Learn more about the online MS in Public Relations Innovation, Strategy and Management (PRISM) program.