It's Back to Business for
2021 Biennial Conference Attendees
|
|
On September 23-24, over 400 alumni, friends, students and faculty gathered at The Edgewater Hotel in Madison, Wisconsin for the 2021 Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Conference and Reunion. Having been shifted ahead one year due to the pandemic, this Biennial was themed Getting Back to Business.
The conference spanned two full days and included numerous networking opportunities along with speakers and panels discussing trending topics in real estate. Thanks to conference sponsors and all who attended. Visit the WREAA Network Blog for the full event recap. Photos from the Biennial can be accessed below.
|
|
The Bascom Group Honored with the Distinguished Real Estate Alumni Award |
|
Founded in 1995 by alums David Kim (BBA 1989), Jerry Fink (MBA 1990), and Derek Chen (MBA 1991), The Bascom Group was presented with the Distinguished Real Estate Alumni Award in recognition of 25 years of unwavering support of the WREAA, and the Wisconsin Real Estate Program. Wisconsin School of Business Dean, Vallabh Sambamurthy, presented the award to the trio at the 2021 Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Conference. Head to the WREAA Network Blog to check out an article featuring The Bascom Group. Congratulations to David, Jerry and Derek! |
|
Graaskamp Real Estate Visionary Award Presented to Jodie McLean of EDENS |
|
The Graaskamp Real Estate Visionary Award was presented to Jodie McLean, CEO of EDENS, during the Alumni Luncheon at the 2021 Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Conference in Madison on September 24. The purpose of the award is to recognize the successes and contributions of an individual or firm to the real estate process. Following the award presentation, Alexis Block, Executive Director of J.P. Morgan Asset Management, spoke with Jodie fireside chat style. The two discussed Jodie’s success and her leadership during the COVID crisis. They went on to talk about the retail sector and how it has and will continue to adjust to the changing economic landscape brought about by COVID. The talk wrapped up with a dialog about the value of diversity, why diversity is a strategic priority for EDEN and Jodie’s experience of being a female CEO.
Congratulations to Jodie on her selection as the recipient of this prestigious award!
|
|
Congratulations to the Badger Fund
Deal of the Year Award Recipients
|
|
The Badger Deal Fund continues a long tradition of giving back by UW Real Estate Alumni. The fund, which is the beneficiary of donations made by UW alumni and friends who are involved in real estate transactions with one another, will provide the financial resources that will assist the WREAA in their long term goal of advancing the Real Estate and Urban Land Economics Program at UW Madison. Student financial assistance and department support are among the growing needs that will be met by the fund.
The 2018 Deal of the Year was presented to Brian Eisendrath (BBA 2000). Brian made his donation in commemoration of long-term friendships built with alumni owned companies, The Bascom Group, Bond Companies, SDF Group and Magnolia Capital.
Tony Carlson (BBA 2005) of Grandbridge Real Estate Capital, received the 2019 Deal of the Year for a donation resulting from the refinance of Lincoln Village, an age-restricted Multifamily property in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
The refinance of the Mendota Heights Office Campus generated the 2020 Deal of the Year donation by Tony Carlson (BBA 2005) of Grandbridge Real Estate Capital and Milo Pinkerton (MS 1979) of MSP Real Estate, Inc.
Congratulations to all recipients!
|
|
To learn more about making a donation to the fund, visit the WREAA website or call the WREAA Office at 262-746-9030.
|
|
Annual Corporate Partners |
|
Become a 2022 Alumni Partner
WREAA Alumni Partners provide vital financial resources that advance the Real Estate Program at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Download WREAA's Alumni Partnership flyer for more information.
|
|
Thank You to Our Biennial Sponsors |
|
An Update from the Graaskamp Center |
|
They are bacckkk! Students are back in the classroom this Fall as the number in-person, on campus courses being offered exceeded pre-pandemic levels. This year’s student return to campus has revealed such great joy as students embrace each-other, engage with each other, and celebrate being here in-person. Simple pleasures, right?
I would like to begin my update comments with a huge thank you to you and the WREAA Board leadership.
|
|
Jim Curtis Experiential Learning Fund |
|
Alumni, colleagues and friends spent time during the recent Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Conference honoring the memory of alumnus Jim Curtis, whose remarkable legacy has had a tremendous impact on the success of the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association and the University of Wisconsin-Madison Real Estate Program. In an effort to memorialize Jim's many contributions, it was announced that The James J. Curtis Student Experiential Learning Fund has been established. Alumni and friends are asked to consider joining this effort by making a contribution to the fund in honor of Jim's memory.
Addition information to download and share is available on the WREAA website. |
|
Regional Leadership Updates |
|
Chris Carroll
At-Large Director
|
WREAA is pleased to welcome Christopher Carroll as an At-Large Director on the WREAA Board of Directors. Chris is a Managing Director in the US Capital Markets Group at JLL in Chicago and has more than 20 years of experience in commercial real estate finance. He is responsible for the origination and placement of real estate capital nationwide. Chris’s primary focus during his career has been structuring and placing first mortgage debt, mezzanine financing and equity financing for owners and developers of commercial real estate.
Besides cheering for Badger Sports, in his free time, Chris enjoys spending time in the Minocqua area with his wife Sharon and their 5 children.
|
|
An Interview with Austin, Texas Market Representative Drew Reynolds |
WREAA Social Media Intern, Mark Schneider, interviewed the WREAA Senior Market Representative for Austin, TX, Drew Reynolds (BBA 2003), about what makes the Austin market unique and what advice he has for students pursuing a career in the area. Drew is currently the Chief Investment Officer and Head of Research at Realized Holdings. |
|
Though all employers are encouraged and able to post new career opportunities in real estate, the Career Hub listings are viewable only to WREAA members. Members should sign up to receive access to this tremendous resource of employment opportunities at every level. Simply visit the Career Hub and select the "Subscribe" option at the top of the page!
To Access Student Resumes
To view student resumes, please sign up through Handshake. |
|
A Sampling of Career Opportunities |
|
Manager, Multi Family Real Estate Development
Chicago/Rosemont, Illinois
2022 Early Talent Summer Internship: Nuveen Real Estate
Newport Beach, California
Chicago, Illinois
Charlotte, North Carolina
Analyst
New York, New York
|
|
Coral Gables, Florida
Saint Louis, Missouri
Analyst
Coral Gables, Florida
Associate
Los Angeles, California
|
|
|
Minnesota Badgers Tour 10 West End |
|
The Minnesota Region gathered for an in-depth tour of 10 West End, led by Mike Honsa (Transwestern), Justin Luetschwager & Tony Barranco (Ryan Co's).
10 West End is one of the market's most prominent new construction projects Following the tour, the group enjoyed a Happy Hour at The Local in The Shops at West End.
Thank you to Lamar Newburn (MBA 2011) Minnesota Regional Director for coordinating this event.
|
|
Southern California Alums Connect During Annual Golf Open |
|
The annual WREAA Southern California Badger Golf Open was held at Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita, California on July 22, 2021. The group enjoyed beautiful weather and a chance to play on a great course.
Following golf, all gathered for a reception where awards were presented to those listed below.
The winning Team was: Chad Sanderson, Ben Butler, TK Frantz and Mark Kuperstock. The "Closest to the Pin" was earned by Mark Derk and "Long Drive" went to Ben Butler.
Many thanks to Chris Casey (MS 1984) WREAA Southern California Regional Director, for coordinating this year's outing.
|
|
San Diego Badgers and Friends Tour 20 by 6 |
|
WREAA members and friends met on October 14 for a tour of 20 by 6, an office development recently completed by LeBeau Property Management. Paul LeBeau, President of LeBeau Property Management, led the tour of the new two-building office complex. Attendees gathered for a Happy Hour with appetizers and drinks provided by Pathfinder Partners in San Diego.
Thanks to Chris Casey (MS 1984), WREAA Southern California Regional Director, for coordinating the event.
|
|
Eastern Wisconsin Region Tours BMO Tower |
|
Eastern Wisconsin Badgers enjoyed a tour of the new BMO Tower in downtown Milwaukee, Wisconsin on October 14. Tour speakers were Rob Oldenburg, Vice President of Development, Irgens & Andy Spataro, Development Director, Irgens. The group gathered for a Happy Hour at the SportClub following the tour. Kudos to
WREAA Market Representatives Mitchell Jung (MBA 2016) and Phil Natkins (MBA 2013) for coordinating this event.
|
|
The Phoenix Market Tours Hyatt House in Tempe, Arizona |
|
WREAA hosted a rooftop gathering at Hyatt Place Tempe in Tempe, Arizona for alumni and friends in the Phoenix Market. Alumnus Nate Gundrum, Vice President of Real Estate Development for Mortenson Development, led a brief tour of the Hyatt. Directly following the tour the group enjoyed Happy Hour with beautiful views from the rooftop deck.
Thanks to Frank Demeter (MS 1990), Market Representative for the Southern California Region Phoenix Market, for coordinating this event.
|
|
November 3, 2021
Graaskamp on the Road Event
Chicago, Illinois
|
|
|
We are deeply saddened to share the news of the passing of alumnus Adam Cibik (MBA 2007). Adam earned both his BBA and MBA in Real Estate from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Post-graduation, he was an active Real Estate Badger, serving on the Advisory Board of the Applied Real Estate Investment Track program (AREIT) and as a mentor to real estate students. In addition to his membership in WREAA, Adam was also active in the Pension Real Estate Association, International Investment Affinity Group and the Urban Land Institute. Condolences to Adam's family. |
|
Ryan Knutson (BBA 2021) is working as a Financial Analyst for CBRE / National Partners in Oakbrook, IL. Ryan may be reached at rknutson1403@gmail.com.
John Fredericks (BBA 2014) is now an Associate with J.P. Morgan in New York, NY. You may reach John at jfredericks21@gmail.com.
Nick Portz (BBA 2021) has joined Northwestern Mutual in Milwaukee, WI as a Real Estate Analyst. Nick may be reached at nportz34@gmail.com.
Dave McClain (BBA 2017) is now the Director of Acquisitions for Tower 16 Capital Partners in Encinitas, CA. Dave may be contacted at dmcclain9@gmail.com.
Ruth Davis (MS 1981) is now President of New Coast Capital in Volente, TX. You may contact Ruth at ruthsdavis@yahoo.com.
To have your announcement included in the next newsletter, email
|
|
See what's happening on our social sites. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
