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What’s Waiting for You
at the 2026 Trends Conference
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With the Wisconsin Real Estate Trends Conference just weeks away, the completed program offers a timely look at the issues and opportunities shaping commercial real estate.
Spencer Levy of CBRE will provide a forward-looking perspective on economic and market trends, while crisis negotiation expert Scott Tillema will share practical strategies for navigating high-stakes conversations, negotiations, and leadership challenges.
Industry panels will tackle some of today’s most pressing topics, including debt, equity and deal flow, the evolution of office-to-living spaces, and the path from AI adoption to AI advantage. Attendees can also participate in interactive Industrial, Multifamily, and Alternatives Forums for focused discussion with peers and industry leaders.
Add in two days of networking, receptions, and opportunities to reconnect with the Wisconsin real estate community, and there’s plenty to look forward to in Chicago. Sign up today as registration ends September 18.
| | Showcase Your Organization at the Conference | | |
Connect your organization with hundreds of real estate professionals while supporting WREAA’s work to engage students, connect alumni, and strengthen the Wisconsin real estate community.
A limited number of sponsorship opportunities remain for this year’s conference. Review the sponsorship brochure to find the opportunity that’s right for your organization and reserve your sponsorship today.
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Planning to attend the conference? A limited number of rooms remain available at The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago located at 160 E. Pearson Street, at the WREAA conference rate of $385 per night, single/double occupancy.
The room block closes September 15, so be sure to reserve your room before the deadline.
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Thank You
Wisconsin Real Estate
Trends Conference Sponsors
| | Meet WREAA’s New Team Member Services Coordinator | | |
The WREAA welcomes Rebekah Harris to the team. Rebekah will handle membership operations, work with our regional leadership to coordinate events, and support other WREAA initiatives. She brings experience in association management, operations, member engagement, communications, and human resources to her role as WREAA’s Member Services Coordinator. She completed coursework at Brigham Young University and holds a Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certification. Outside of work, Rebekah is a houseplant enthusiast who enjoys crocheting and reading.
| | Celebrating Our Benefactor Members | | |
WREAA is proud to recognize the alumni whose generosity extends beyond standard membership dues through our Benefactor, Cornerstone, and Sustaining Memberships.
These donor members provide additional support that helps WREAA strengthen the Wisconsin real estate network and continue offering meaningful opportunities for alumni and students through programs, events, mentorship, scholarships, and more.
At the highest level of support, Benefactor Members make an especially significant contribution to WREAA’s mission. To recognize their generosity and commitment, we have created a new Benefactor Members page on the WREAA website, providing a dedicated space to celebrate those who give at this level.
Our Cornerstone and Sustaining Members are also an important part of this community of supporters, and all three donor membership levels are recognized on our website and in WREAA communications.
We are grateful to each of our members. Their support helps WREAA build connections, create opportunities, and strengthen the Wisconsin real estate community for generations of alumni to come.
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Your Next Opportunity or Your Next Hire Could Be on the WREAA Career Hub
Whether you’re exploring your next career move or looking for talent to join your team, the WREAA Career Hub connects you with the UW-Madison real estate community.
Job Seekers: Subscribe to job alerts and upload your resume so employers can find you.
Employers: Post internships and full-time opportunities for free and connect with students, recent graduates, and experienced real estate professionals.
Visit WREAA.org → Career Hub to get started.
Questions? Call the WREAA Office at 262-746-9030.
| | A Sampling of Career Opportunities | | |
Acquisitions Associate
Chicago, Illinois
Real Estate Analyst
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Senior Associate, Equity Research
Newport Beach, California
Director, Transactions
New York, New York
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Senior Associate, Financial Asset Management & Underwriting
New York, New York
Analyst
Chicago, Illinois
Senior Analyst, Investor Relations
New York, New York
| | | WREAA Funds Launches Capital Raise for Fund III as Fund II Nears Full Deployment | | |
WREAA Fund II, the graduate student-led real estate investment fund, has continued to build momentum through May 2026 — successfully deploying $3.3 million of equity across multiple commercial real estate investments nationwide. With $1.3 million remaining to deploy, the fund is on track to invest its full $4.6 million of committed capital by December 2026. Fund III has launched and is expected close by the end of the calendar year.
| | Build Your Team with Badger Talent | | |
The Real Estate Club Career Fair gives employers an opportunity to connect with 500+ UW-Madison real estate students pursuing careers in real estate and related fields. Meet students from UW-Madison's top-ranked real estate program and build relationships with talented candidates for internships and full-time positions.
The Career Fair is a great opportunity to strengthen your recruiting pipeline while connecting with the next generation of industry professionals.
Questions? Contact Career Fair Coordinator John Cook at jcook33@wisc.edu.
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Help Shape the Next Generation of
Real Estate Leaders
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What if one conversation with you could help a student see a career path more clearly?
The WREAA Student Mentorship Program connects alumni with UW-Madison Real Estate students for a year-long, one-on-one mentoring relationship. Mentors and students connect regularly throughout the academic year to discuss careers, professional opportunities, and navigating the early stages of a career. As a mentor, you’ll have the opportunity to share your experience, offer perspective, and help a student build confidence as they prepare for the industry.
With more than 600 undergraduate and graduate Real Estate students enrolled for 2026–27, WREAA is looking for alumni with 3+ years of industry experience who are willing to commit to mentoring one student from September 2026 through May 2027.
Ready to make a difference? Learn more about the program and contact Mandy Kaegy to volunteer.
| | WREAA’s Tri-Region Golf Outing Tees Off at Abbey Springs | |
The annual WREAA Tri-Region Badger Golf Outing was a great success at Abbey Springs Golf Club in Fontana, Wisconsin, with 72 golfers enjoying a beautiful day on the course.
The new venue on Lake Geneva provided a scenic setting for 18 holes of golf, good competition, and plenty of time to connect with fellow WREAA members.
Congratulations to our winners:
1st Place Team: Christopher Leff, Dan Jeserig, Dan Sell, Rob Goeckel
2nd Place Team: Ben Slack, Victor Banovetz, Jon Masterson, Charles Bennett
Closest to the Pin: Jonathan Brown
Longest Drive: Jack Gillett
Longest Putt: Charles Bennett
A special thank-you to Jonathan Brown (MBA 2014), Illinois Senior Market Director, and Benjamin Slack (BBA 2018), Associate Market Director, for helping coordinate the outing and making the event such a success.
Thank you to everyone who joined us at Abbey Springs. We look forward to seeing you on the course again next year!
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| A Look Inside Theory Madison | |
WREAA members stepped inside Theory Madison, a new purpose-built student housing development featuring more than 700 beds, two outdoor terraces, and an integrated intercity bus terminal.
Alumni London Donohoe and Nate Gundrum of Mortenson led the tour, giving attendees a firsthand look at the project and its amenities. The evening continued at Memorial Union Terrace with a networking happy hour sponsored by Mortenson Development Corporation.
A special thank-you to Western WI Regional Market Director Ashley Caldis (BBA 2009), Madison Senior Market Director Claudia Harkins (MS 2021), and Associate Market Director Brian Zaramba (MBA 2025) for coordinating the event.
Thank you to Mortenson Development Corporation for sponsoring the evening and helping make this event possible.
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WREAA members got an inside look at 25 Water (SoMA), the largest office-to-residential conversion in the United States. The SoMA property management team led attendees through the project, offering a closer look at the transformation of the former office building into residential space.
The tour was followed by lunch and networking, giving members an opportunity to continue the conversation and connect with fellow WREAA alumni.
Thank you to the SoMA team for welcoming WREAA and sharing this unique project with our members. Special thanks to alumnus Adam Miller (BBA 2004) who helped to facilitate this opportunity as well as to NYC Associate Market Director, Leo Epstein (BBA 2024), for coordinating this event.
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| Minneapolis Alums Tour 20 Washington | |
WREAA members went behind the scenes at 20 Washington, getting a firsthand look at the highly anticipated Minneapolis development. Chad Tepley of CDT led the tour and shared insight into the project and its development.
Afterward, attendees headed to Runyon's on N. Washington Avenue for drinks, conversation, and a chance to catch up with fellow alumni.
Special thanks to Minneapolis Associate Market Director Liz Curley (BBA 2017) and Senior Market Director Liz Trautz Shirley (MBA 2022) for bringing the event together.
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September 11, 2026
NYC Morning Coffee Pop-Up
New York, New York
September 16, 2026
Boston Back Bay Office Tour & Happy Hour
Boston, Massachusetts
September 22, 2026
WREAA at The Rockies Game
Denver, Colorado
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September 28, 2026
UW–Madison Real Estate Club Career Fair
Madison, Wisconsin
October 6-7, 2026
Wisconsin Real Estate
Trends Conference
Chicago, Illinois
October 15, 2026
Dallas Tour of Hanover Preston Hollow & Happy Hour
Dallas, Texas
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Megan May (BBA 2009) is the Managing Director, Acquisitions, at Article Student Living in Chicago, Illinois. Megan may be reached at mmay@articlestudentliving.com.
Carleigh Roberts (BBA 2025) is now a Valuation Analyst at Baker Tilly in Chicago, Illinois. Carleigh may be reached at carleighr11@gmail.com.
Christopher Leff (BBA 2000) is the Executive Vice President of Busey Bank in Burr Ridge, Illinois. Christopher may be reached at chris.leff@busey.com.
Alissa Adler (MS 1989) has recently joined Transwestern in Chicago, Illinois, as Managing Director of Midwest Capital Markets. Alissa may be reached at alissa.adler@transwestern.com.
Peter Cotsirilos III (MS 2024) is an Associate at BMO in Chicago, Illinois. Peter may be reached at petercotsirilos3@gmail.com.
Liz Curley (BBA 2017) is the Executive Director of Multifamily Capital at Wells Fargo in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Liz may be reached at curleye19@gmail.com.
Anna Wanke (BBA 2026) has joined J.P. Morgan in Chicago, Illinois, as an Analyst. Anna may be reached at anna.wanke@jpmorgan.com.
Garrett Williams (BBA 2021) is an Associate at LCI Development Partners in Chicago, Illinois. Garrett may be reached at gmwilliams@lcidp.com.
Have exciting news to share? From career updates to personal milestones, we welcome your announcements for Names in the News. Email the WREAA Office to be featured in the next newsletter.
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