After 21 years of distinguished service to the Wisconsin Real Estate Program and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, it is with mixed emotion that we announce the retirement of Sharon McCabe, Associate Director of the Graaskamp Center. “It’s hard to imagine the Wisconsin Real Estate Program without Sharon in the picture. She has left an indelible imprint on the Program, and is unquestionably the Godmother of the ‘Wisconsin Real Estate Mafia.’ We will all miss her graciousness, good humor and dedication.”
Sharon has a BBA degree in Real Estate and Urban Land Economics and an MS degree in Business Real Estate Appraisal and Investment Analysis, both from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, so her passion for the Wisconsin Real Estate Program runs deep. She has been integral in the growth of the Graaskamp Center and began her role as Associate Director in 2007, when she began managing the recruitment, admission decisions, onboarding, advising, and job placement for the Real Estate MBA. She has also supported BBA students in career preparation and advising. Most recently, she facilitated the reactivation of the Wisconsin School of Business Master of Science-Real Estate degree, which involved defining degree requirements, campus approvals, and identifying marketing strategies to prospective student populations. Sharon’s door is always open and her welcoming approach is obvious by the countless number of students who stop by for advice or to just say hello.
Sharon is also a great teacher, known for her enthusiasm and dedication to her students. She truly appreciates their curiosity and engagement, and is always happy to provide encouragement or advice to her students. She began teaching in the summer of 1998, and her courses included Techniques of Real Estate Valuation, Real Estate Valuation and The Real Estate Process. By her count, she has taught over 6000 students during her time at the Graaskamp Center! Sharon also planned and led multiple MBA global study tours to China, Japan, Singapore, Viet Nam, Brazil, including trips to major real estate conferences in Munich, Germany and Cannes, France.
Graaskamp Center Director Mark Eppli said, “Sharon’s depth of institutional knowledge of all things UW Real Estate and passion for and commitment to the UW Real Estate Students is unrivaled, I am thankful that we had a year of service overlap.”
“The impact of Sharon’s passion and contributions to the Wisconsin Real Estate Program will continue long after she retires,” said Lee Gottschalk, Graaskamp Center Associate Director of Outreach. “She has inspired so many students to study and pursue careers in real estate; and her commitment to alumni, students, and staff is reflected in the enduring relationships she has cultivated over the years.”
Sharon and her husband, Michael, look forward to travel adventures, gardening and spending more time with friends and family. We will all truly miss seeing Sharon on a regular basis – her passion for the Wisconsin Real Estate Program, her positive attitude and cheerful outlook – but we look forward to stopping by occasionally at alumni and Center events.
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