As a former middle-distance track runner, stepping into the role of Center Director has felt like the start of a 1500-meter race. The command of “Runners, take your mark” was given to me on November 6th. Although no starting gun went off, it has been a whirlwind race to keep up ever since. The very next day, I toured New York City with the Global Real Estate Master’s (GREM) students, including a reception sponsored by the New York WREAA.
There, surrounded by many enthusiastic Badgers, I learned how to properly make the thumbs-in “W” symbol—after a botched first attempt using my index fingers! On November 8th, I co-hosted the New York City edition of Graaskamp on the Road (GOTR) with Mike Brennan from the stunning vantage point of the 67th floor of One Vanderbilt.
From there, the pace only picked up. Department Chair Yongheng Deng, Professor Tim Riddiough, and I co-hosted another GOTR event in Santa Monica alongside my former colleagues at MIT. The year wrapped up with a series of one-on-one meetings with our Southern California alumni, traveling from Laguna Beach up to Calabasas (and many stops in between), hearing about the incredible things our SoCal Wisconsin alumni are achieving.
Those first few weeks on the job were a blur, and the momentum only continued to build. I was invited to co-teach RE 852, the core course for the Real Estate Private Equity Track, with Tim Carr, Real Estate Department Deputy Chair. That meant January was spent preparing, getting up to speed on WREAA Fund I and II, and launching our faculty hiring process to fill four key positions.
By February, I was immersed in learning the ropes of alumni, faculty, and student activities that take place regularly. I attended every Real Estate Club event, including the renowned Career Fair, participated in faculty seminars, Women in Real Estate (WIRE) meetings, and presented at the WREAA Board meeting in Austin, TX.
March brought a special moment: I had the privilege of presenting the 18th Graaskamp Innovator Award to Sarah Wick Senior Vice President of Affordable Housing at Related Midwest. Sarah delivered an inspiring speech to the Real Estate Club, reflecting on her own time in their seats 23 years ago. She spoke about how her love of hip-hop shaped her perspective on cities, communities, and real estate development, and she showcased the transformation of Lathrop Homes into a thriving mixed-income neighborhood.
Looking ahead, preparations are well underway for the Graaskamp Board meetings on April 10 and 11 at the London House in Chicago. We’re thrilled to have Chris Kennedy, CEO of Joseph P. Kennedy Enterprises, delivering the keynote address. He recently completed the second tower at Wolf Point on behalf of the family business. The next day will kick off with Jeff DeBoer, Executive Director of the Real Estate Roundtable, providing insights into how new federal initiatives may impact real estate. Additional panels will explore challenges facing major U.S. cities, the office conversion trend, AI’s growing role, climate change, and we’ll wrap up with the ever-popular CEO panel moderated by Jackie Barlow, President of U.S. Commercial Real Estate Banking.
On rare occasions when I pause to reflect from my vantage point in Grainger Hall, I’m struck by the deep loyalty of our alumni, the dedication of our faculty, and the unflagging energy of our students. Most of all, I feel incredibly fortunate to be in a position that strengthens the ties among these three dynamic groups.
So many alumni have reached out to welcome me over these first four months, and I want you to know—I hear you! There’s nothing like running a race with the roar of a cheering crowd behind you. I look forward to meeting many more of you in the months ahead. Together, we are continuing the proud tradition of Badgers in Real Estate, and I am honored to be part of it.
Jacques Gordon
March 18, 2025
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