The stretch between spring break and graduation always seems to move at full speed. Throughout it all, our students continue to impress us with their energy, curiosity and engagement both in the classroom and across the Wisconsin Real Estate community. We were especially proud to have two of our undergraduate real estate students, Bella Shim and Ryan Schwartz, selected to speak at the Wisconsin School of Business and UW–Madison commencement ceremonies last weekend. They both knocked it out of the park and inspired their fellow graduates with thoughtful and encouraging remarks.
It’s been another busy and productive year, and I’m pleased to share some of our milestones and accomplishments. In addition to our continued top national rankings, enrollment growth remains strong with 758 students, including 682 undergraduate students and 76 graduate students pursuing MS, MBA and GREM degrees, reflecting sustained demand for Wisconsin’s applied and industry-connected real estate education.
A defining strength of Wisconsin Real Estate continues to be our focus on hands-on learning. Through our four applied graduate tracks, students gain direct experience evaluating investments, managing real capital and engaging with the evolving challenges shaping the built environment. Students in the Applied Real Estate Investment Track (AREIT) managed a live $2 million REIT portfolio and outperformed their benchmark this year, while students in the Real Estate Private Equity Track evaluated about 65 deals and invested in real-world developments in Southern California and Washington, DC.
Beyond the classroom, more than 250 students traveled across the country and overseas to participate in a variety of field trips to urban markets including Paris, London, Washington, DC, New York, Chicago and Minneapolis, while also connecting with alumni and industry leaders around the world.
Our recent Spring Board Conference in Chicago also showcased the strength of our community, drawing a capacity audience for conversations on capital markets, AI infrastructure, retail evolution and urban development. We were honored to welcome Karen Murphy of the Chicago Bears and Emi Adachi of Heitman, whose insights on stadium development, investment strategy and the changing real estate landscape highlighted the forward-looking nature of the industry.
We are also excited to welcome two outstanding new faculty members this fall. Sean Flynn joins us from Cornell University with expertise in securitized debt and commercial real estate finance, while So Hye Hoon joins us from Princeton University, where her doctoral research focused on algorithmic home buyers and housing markets.
As you can see from the milestones above, much of the momentum and success of this program is fueled by you: an engaged community who continue to invest in our students and mission. Combined with the curiosity, ambition and energy of our students, the Wisconsin Real Estate Program remains strong, growing and well positioned for the future.
To our graduating students, congratulations on reaching this important milestone. Wherever your careers and lives may lead, I hope you carry forward the collaborative spirit, curiosity and integrity that have long defined Wisconsin Real Estate. You will always remain part of this community of Real Estate Badgers.
Thank you for your continued support, partnership and friendship. Wishing you all a wonderful summer, and I look forward to staying connected in the year ahead.
Warm regards,
Jacques Gordon
Director