For more than four decades, Brad Olsen has been a steady and generous force behind the Graaskamp Center, the Wisconsin Real Estate Program, and—most importantly—our students. His commitment reflects a deep belief in education, mentorship, and the power of global perspective to shape meaningful careers.
That spirit continues today through the Friends of Brad Olsen, whose recent gifts totaling nearly $25,000 to the Building Bright Futures Scholarship Fund are opening doors for the next generation of real estate leaders. These scholarships help cover tuition and make it possible for talented students to join a nationally top-ranked program known for blending academic rigor with real-world application. Brad’s generosity extends far beyond financial assistance, helping students reimagine what’s possible for their futures.
Brad’s relationship with Wisconsin began in 1982, when he first visited campus to speak to the Real Estate Club. The impact was immediate. As a direct result of that visit, Wisconsin became the first university in the United States to introduce international real estate into its curriculum. Since then, Brad has returned to Madison regularly—often twice a year—mentoring, teaching, and inspiring hundreds of students.
Before retiring in 2021, Brad built an extraordinary career spanning more than 40 years in international real estate investment. He founded Atlantic Partners, Ltd. in 1995 after serving as a principal at Richard Ellis, Inc., and worked on transactions exceeding $10 billion across the U.S., Europe, Canada, and Japan.
“Brad has been an incredible friend of our program for many years,” said Distinguished Real Estate Faculty member Joe Walsh. “He has truly changed the trajectory of the careers of hundreds of our students.”
Jacques Gordon, Director of the Graaskamp Center, echoed that sentiment: “Brad embodies the very best of Wisconsin—global thinking, generosity of spirit, and an unwavering commitment to students. His influence will be felt for generations.”
We are deeply grateful to Brad Olsen for his wisdom, leadership, philanthropy, and enduring belief in the Wisconsin Real Estate Program. Thank you, Brad, for shaping futures and leaving a legacy that truly spans the globe.
