Klump

CU Real Estate Forum Offers First Look at Sundance Film Festival in ��ý��

Kelsey Cipolla — Fri, 13 Mar 2026 14:43:58 +0000

CU Real Estate Forum Offers First Look at Sundance Film Festival in ��ý�� Kelsey Cipolla Fri, 03/13/2026 - 08:43

Kelsey Cipolla • Photos by Nathan Thompson

Ebs Burnough, chair of the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees, and Paula DuPré Pesmen, managing director of Sundance Film Festival Relocation, joined John Tayer, president and CEO of the ��ý�� Chamber, for a conversation on the festival's impact on Colorado.

��ý�� stepped into the spotlight, getting an early preview of the 2027 Sundance Film Festival during the 2026 CU Real Estate Forum.

The forum, hosted by the Leeds School of Business Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate on March 5, featured a fireside chat with Ebs Burnough, chair of the Sundance Institute’s Board of Trustees, and Paula DuPré Pesmen, managing director of Sundance Film Festival Relocation.

An economic and cultural shift

In a discussion moderated by John Tayer, president and CEO of the ��ý�� Chamber, the panel detailed the festival’s 2027 move and its projected impact on the local economy. Burnough estimated the festival had a state economic impact of $156 to $195 million in recent years.

“I have no doubt that it should be equal, if not more, especially as we grow the audience base,” Burnough said, citing ��ý��’s size and ease of access compared to Park City, Utah.

Addressing 400 commercial real estate professionals and Leeds students, Burnough said the city should expect a surge in seasonal staff when the festival runs from Jan. 21-31, 2027. Organizers also project that as many as 80,000 visitors will flock to ��ý��.

Burnough emphasized that while workforce, transportation and lodging needs and development will evolve, the move involves more than just a 10-day event. The Sundance Institute—the nonprofit that provides year-round support for storytellers—will also be showing up throughout Colorado.

“We have to figure out what long-term sustainability and synergy between the city, state, business and the institute are,” Burnough said.

One of the ways ��ý��’s business community can immediately get involved is through activations—brands and companies hosting events in local spaces during the festival. The ��ý�� Chamber launched the Sundance Film Festival Partner Hub, a site connecting organizations seeking space with available commercial properties across the city.

There are also opportunities for Colorado residents to enjoy the festival. DuPré Pesmen noted that in Utah, nearly 70% of attendees were state residents. She expects a similar trend in Colorado, where she’s lived for more than 30 years.

Chad Yoshinobu, principal and design director for Gensler, and Angela Loder, director and principal Researcher of Greening the City Consulting, discussed the neuroscience and design behind successful office spaces in the panel, "Why Place Matters: Rethinking the Role of the Office," moderated by Andrew Blaustein, executive managing director of Newmark.

“It is a treasure, and I know that our community will really embrace that and help this organization grow and thrive,” she said.

Industry and AI

The forum also explored trending topics such as rethinking the role of the office and how AI can solve real estate problems. Themes overlapped in surprising ways.

Panelist Chad Yoshinobu, principal and design director for Gensler, noted that as workplaces are designed with AI and automation in mind, “It’s going to get a little weird.”

Angela Loder, director and principal Researcher of Greening the City Consulting, said as AI takes on more mundane tasks, relationships and human creativity—and the spaces that facilitate them—become even more important.

“I think it’s so interesting that we started this session with Sundance, because movies and art remind us of what it means to be human,” Loder said.

��ý�� stepped into the spotlight, getting an early preview of the 2027 Sundance Film Festival during the 2026 CU Real Estate Forum.

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Real Estate Students Explore Innovation and Impact on 2026 Los Angeles Real Estate Trek

Erik William Jeffries — Thu, 12 Mar 2026 16:21:25 +0000

Real Estate Students Explore Innovation and Impact on 2026 Los Angeles Real Estate Trek Erik William J… Thu, 03/12/2026 - 10:21

Grace Carlander

The Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate brought together a group of undergraduate and graduate students for the 2026 Los Angeles Real Estate Trek, offering an immersive look into one of the most dynamic commercial real estate markets in the country. Over several days, students connected with CU alumni and industry leaders across development, investment, nonprofit housing, and creative office sectors. The experience highlighted how collaboration, innovation, and long-term vision continue to shape Los Angeles’ evolving real estate landscape.

While Los Angeles is often defined by its entertainment industry, the trek demonstrated that the region’s real estate story is far more diverse. From historic studio campuses in Culver City to transformative waterfront redevelopment in San Pedro, students saw firsthand how adaptive reuse, placemaking, and community-focused development are redefining major urban districts. Across each stop, professionals emphasized the importance of balancing financial performance with thoughtful design, public engagement, and resilience in a changing market.

Day one focused on the intersection of media, investment, and social impact. Students toured the Amazon Studios and Sony Studios campus with Hackman Capital Partners, gaining insight into how historic Hollywood assets are being repositioned for today’s production and streaming economy. The group also visited the Weingart Center to learn about nonprofit affordable housing operations and the challenges of addressing homelessness through real estate solutions. At CBRE, industry leaders shared a Los Angeles market overview while discussing disaster recovery strategies following the Pacific Palisades fire, reinforcing the role of the real estate community during moments of crisis.

On day two, the trek continued with a deeper look into redevelopment and community rebuilding efforts. Students toured the Pacific Palisades area alongside local professionals working on recovery initiatives, gaining perspective on the complexities of rebuilding neighborhoods after natural disasters. In San Pedro, CU alumni Eric and Allen Johnson guided the group through West Harbor, a large-scale waterfront redevelopment transforming a former industrial port into a vibrant destination for dining, retail, and entertainment. The project illustrated how patient capital and long-term planning can reshape entire districts while honoring local identity.

Additional stops showcased the diversity of Los Angeles’ commercial real estate ecosystem. Meetings with AEW and Fortress Investment Group introduced students to institutional investment strategies, while a visit to Dave’s Hot Chicken highlighted how retail expansion is driven by real estate decision-making and site selection. The trek concluded with a tour of Continental Development’s Del Rey creative office project in Playa Vista, where students explored tenant-driven design and the evolving future of workplace environments.

This Los Angeles Real Estate Trek reflects the Klump Center’s commitment to connecting students with active markets, industry leaders, and transformative projects. By fostering relationships between alumni, professionals, and future real estate leaders, the Center continues to create meaningful opportunities for students to explore the many paths within commercial real estate.

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CU Real Estate Forum March 5 to Feature Sundance Institute Board Chair

Kelsey Cipolla — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 18:58:38 +0000

CU Real Estate Forum March 5 to Feature Sundance Institute Board Chair Kelsey Cipolla Wed, 02/18/2026 - 11:58

Ahead of a fireside chat at the CU ��ý�� Real Estate Forum, Sundance Institute Board Chair Ebs Burnough discusses how the Sundance Film Festival’s move to ��ý�� will have ripple effects in business, development and real estate.

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Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara

Jane Majkiewicz — Fri, 21 Nov 2025 18:03:40 +0000

Affordable Housing Demystified: Insights from Rodger Hara Jane Majkiewicz Fri, 11/21/2025 - 11:03

Jane Majkiewicz

Rodger Hara, an authority on affordable housing, came to Leeds as part of the Etkin Symposium speaker series to explain the inner workings of the affordable housing market, reveal how projects get funded, and look toward the future.

Picture an upside-down, multitiered wedding cake. That’s the image Rodger Hara used to illustrate the “capital stack” behind financing affordable housing projects. Each layer represents a different stakeholder—from lenders and investors to property managers and everyone in between (each with their own lawyers, which adds to the complexity). The challenge? “The cake isn’t done until the smallest layer is baked."

And there’s another caveat: “Things are changing very rapidly”—a reality Hara has witnessed repeatedly, especially in the past year.

How affordable housing works

Hara is the consummate authority on affordable housing, consulting in the field since 2008. Julie Gibson, the executive director of the Klump Center for Real Estate at Leeds, introduced him at the latest Etkin Symposium with this endorsement: “In Colorado, Rodger IS affordable housing.”

With decades of experience at local, state and federal levels, Hara delivered a presentation that walked symposium attendees through the evolution of affordable housing—from the milestone 1934 National Housing Act to the HUD Act of 1965 and beyond. Notably, one of the country’s first affordable housing projects happened in Colorado: Lincoln Park in Denver. Today, the story continues to unfold, influenced by modern legislation such as H.R. 1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill Act.”

The hourlong session was a crash course on the challenges, obstacles and opportunities shaping the affordable housing market. Both undergraduate and graduate real estate students attended—some with aspirations to serve communities in need.

Hara introduced key concepts such as the “missing middle”—those earning too much for low-income housing but not enough for median-priced homes—and “redlining,” the discriminatory practice of denying credit based on where people lived, symbolized by development maps with red lines drawn around certain neighborhoods. The Fair Housing Act of 1968 aimed to end such practices.

Financing and a look ahead

Hara shared a data-packed presentation highlighting details such as income levels, market dynamics, tax credit funding, and the growing demand for affordable housing. A diagram illustrated the financing flow: state agencies like the Colorado Housing and Finance Authority (CHFA) receive federal funds and allocate tax credits to developers, who sell them to investors. Investors buy the credits for various reasons, including economic yield, tax shelter and social impact.

He closed with both caution and optimism. While the ripple effects of H.R. 1 remain uncertain, he believes that cuts to HUD voucher funding, immigration-related labor shortages, tariffs and other changes could pose serious threats to the industry.

"You're going to have to figure out how to get things done after those of us who started this are gone. It’s a challenge that can be met, but it won’t be easy."

Rodger Hara, affordable housing consultant

Yet, while the funds for affordable housing are decreasing just as the need is increasing, Hara said creative solutions persist. As one example, he cited Veterans Village in Denver, funded by the Tunnel to Towers Foundation without relying on tax credits.

Other strategies include modular construction, adaptive reuse of former offices, schools or churches, preservation projects, higher-density development and leveraging public land.

In addition to the challenges, affordable housing projects can take a long time, Hara explained. "You're going to have to figure out how to get things done," he said, "after those of us who started this are gone. It’s a challenge that can be met, but it won’t be easy."

Finally, Hara reminded students of their own influence. His advice: keep learning, think creatively—and most importantly, be sure to vote.

Rodger Hara, an authority on affordable housing, came to Leeds to explain the inner workings of the market, reveal how projects get funded, and look toward the future.

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How Sports Districts Will Shape Denver’s Next Era of Development

Justin Michael Forbis — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:24:11 +0000

How Sports Districts Will Shape Denver’s Next Era of Development Justin Michael… Mon, 11/17/2025 - 11:24

Grace Carlander

The CU Real Estate Network (CUREN) brought together more than 30 professionals from across Denver’s commercial real estate, design, legal and sports sectors for a conversation on one of the most exciting trends in the city: the rise of Sports-Anchored Mixed-Use Districts (SMDs). The energy in the room made it clear that Denver’s real estate community is eager to learn, collaborate and imagine what comes next.

While the panel opened by acknowledging Denver’s strong identity as a growing sports city, the discussion clarified that today’s development goals go far beyond the stadium itself. Across the country, SMDs are becoming year-round community hubs—and Denver is emerging as a standout example of what these districts can become. McGregor Square set the tone in 2021, and now projects like the Ball Arena redevelopment, the new Denver Summit FC stadium, the reimagined Burnham Yard, and new concepts in places like Greeley are showing the rapid pace of growth.

One resounding theme was how long and complex these projects are. Matt Mahoney, a senior vice president from Kroenke Sports and Entertainment, explained that the Ball Arena redevelopment has been in planning since 2015. He explained that sports districts thrive when they function as true neighborhoods—prioritizing safety and security while offering year-round programming, walkable spaces and inviting gathering spots beyond game days. “Long-rang planning and preparation for generational development” are essential ingredients to success, he said. “It’s not about real estate sales as ROI, it’s about getting it right and expanding the community.” For him, the goal is to build places that feel alive every day, not just when Colorado’s teams are winning.

Panelists also shared their perspectives on what it takes to make these districts possible at the city level. Shareholder Andrea Austin from Greenberg Traurig guided the audience through the reality of public-private partnerships and how cities must balance community needs with the financial and political pressures behind major developments. “You need to have a good municipal understanding and know when to bring in the experts to fill in the knowledge gaps,” she said. Strong legal structure, clear deal terms and a deep understanding of local politics are essential, she explained, especially when developers and teams take on significant risk to drive these projects forward.

The panel emphasized that SMDs only succeed with attention to the user experience. Lyndsey Archer, founder of Studio Archer stressed authenticity, especially for younger generations who want to feel connected to the places they visit. Building the right team of collaborators is also critical, she said. “You need problem solvers, pioneers, creative thinkers and people who think outside the box to tackle what has never been done before and who aren’t afraid to try new approaches.”

Panelists also discussed how constituents measure SMD success over time. Community engagement, team valuation, tax benefits to the city, and the quality of the game-day experience all play a role in a thriving sports district. Several speakers noted that programming outside of major events is a top indicator of long-term success, since it means that the district has become part of everyday life for residents.

Panelists agreed that the goal of any SMD project is to bring people together. Hearing experts exchange perspectives, challenge assumptions, and build on each other’s ideas underscored how important these cross-sector discussions are for the future of Denver’s sports and entertainment landscape. The CU Real Estate Network champions this kind of conversation by connecting alumni, industry professionals and thought leaders to explore key issues affecting the real estate industry. Visit the CU Real Estate network to learn more about upcoming events and ways to get involved.

Across the country, Sports-Anchored Mixed-Use Districts (SMDs) are becoming year-round community hubs—and Denver is emerging as a standout example of what these districts can become. The Klump CU Real Estate Network (CUREN) brought together professionals from across Denver’s commercial real estate, design, legal and sports sectors for a conversation on SMDs and their impact on the communities.

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The Annual CU Real Estate Forum: Helping Shape Careers in Commercial Real Estate

Jane Majkiewicz — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 03:15:31 +0000

The Annual CU Real Estate Forum: Helping Shape Careers in Commercial Real Estate Jane Majkiewicz Tue, 03/11/2025 - 21:15

Jane Majkiewicz

Attendance at the Annual CU Real Estate Forum helps students unlock networking opportunities and gain important industry knowledge and connections.

For senior real estate major Jonah Duran (left), attending the 28th Annual CU Real Estate Forum this March “provided ample networking opportunities between classmates and industry professionals.” That momentum is invaluable as he prepares to launch his career as a broker for Unique Properties in Denver, focusing on industrial, retail, and office investment sales and leasing.

“I’m excited about a career in commercial real estate brokerage because it combines relationship building, market expertise and deal-making in a dynamic, results-driven environment,” he said. “The ability to directly impact businesses and investors while navigating complex transactions is both challenging and rewarding.”

The forum as a catalyst for career growth

“We emphasize that students should engage early and often in experiential education opportunities,” said Erin Penberthy, a Leeds career coach for real estate. Career treks, internships, student organizations, and events like the Real Estate Forum provide valuable networking and learning opportunities, she said.

“Networking is key to the job and internship process, and students who invest in it and research companies before applying tend to have positive career outcomes,” she said. “The Real Estate Forum gives students a fantastic opportunity to not only hear about current industry trends but also meet future employers.”

A premier industry event

“This year’s forum took the event to another level,” said Julie Gibson, Sherman R. Miller Executive Director of the real estate center. The event attracted “top national and local speakers, educating students, alumni and employers around top issues in the real estate industry.”

Among the 300 attendees, 72 were students eager to network and learn from industry leaders, including Willy Walker, CEO and chair of Walker & Dunlop, and Michael Klump, whose 2024 gift established the newly named Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate.

Key takeaways from industry leaders

Duran echoed forum presenters’ insights about Denver’s growing market, seeing his role as having a prime opportunity to add value. Understanding emerging trends, such as water issues and AI in real estate, was another major draw.

He particularly valued Walker's keynote. As an executive who grew Walker & Dunlop from 46 employees in 2003 to a public company with more than 1,400 employees and recognized as a best place to work over consecutive years, Walker shared key career lessons.

“His inspiring success story and well-spoken nature made listening to his conversation a treat,” said Duran. “Having a good mentor, working hard and trying different things were the main themes he spoke about, all of which I plan on implementing in my career.”

Leeds senior and real estate major Kourtney Stetler (left) agreed. “The Willy Walker presentation was incredibly insightful, especially as a soon-to-be graduate. He shared how, after finishing school, he had the choice between accepting a full-time job or traveling to Paraguay to work with a family friend. Taking a leap of faith, he chose to travel, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective—an experience that shaped his future career.”

Walker also highlighted the highs and lows of commercial real estate. “There are real estate developers in here that have taken massive risks,” he said, encouraging the audience to accept that as part of the process. He discussed his own experience with layoffs and falling stock prices, citing them as competitive pressures that inspire him to drive new goals.

His advice to students: “Create a career that doesn’t feel like work.”

The importance of mentors and internships

Michael Klump, who spoke about his career and generous gift to the center, also emphasized taking risks—one being time and knowing how to protect it. His early passion for real estate led to his success in acquiring and developing shopping centers. He emphasized the value of internships and mentorships.

Professional Mentors at Leeds

In 2024, the Leeds Professional Mentorship Program for juniors and seniors experienced record growth, with 773 students taking advantage of the program—a 32 percent jump—and a total of 867 mentors. Learn more about the program and the impact of mentors.

Internships played a significant role for Duran. “I interned at Northmarq on the Portfolio and Asset Management team and at Denver Angel Investments in investment due diligence, both of which helped me develop financial analysis skills and gain exposure to real estate and investment transactions.” He also cited the CU Real Estate Case Competition as a key learning experience.

“Collaborating with my team to build an acquisition model and presenting to industry professionals strengthened my analytical and communication skills, ultimately guiding me toward a career in real estate brokerage.”

Stetler has found mentorship equally valuable. “Being matched with someone who aligns with my interests has been incredibly helpful. My mentor has introduced me to real estate professionals for informational interviews,” she said. “I appreciate the strong relationships I have built with professors, mentors and career coaches, as I believe these connections will be instrumental in my career development.”

The rise of tech in real estate

The event also showcased two industry panels: “The Ripple Effect: Navigating Water Scarcity in Colorado’s Growing Communities,” moderated by Luke Runyon of The Water Desk, and “Real Estate Meets AI: Evaluating the Credibility of AI in Commercial Real Estate,” moderated by Calandra Cruikshank of Statebook International.

Leeds junior Yashwant Chapagain (left) found the discussions enlightening. “I learned so many things. The AI in Real Estate presentation was especially fascinating. I was relieved to hear panelists say they don’t believe AI will replace people and that this is an exciting time for the industry. One panelist noted that career trajectories are going to change vastly, which I also found interesting.”

Looking ahead: A bright future in real estate

“The center’s introductions to industry professionals made it easier to connect and increased my confidence,” said Chapagain. “The center has been supportive in giving us all the resources we need to be successful.”

As Duran looks ahead, he’s “eager to develop deep local knowledge, negotiate creative solutions and drive successful outcomes for clients.”

“On the horizon for the center is to keep serving students well, growing programs, attracting talent and creating a strategic plan to increase experiential and applied learning,” said Gibson.

Sponsors of the 2025 CU Real Estate Forum

Leeds extends its gratitude to sponsoring presenter Kirkpatrick Bank and the following sponsors (in alphabetical order) who helped make the forum possible.

ARES Industrial Management
Brownstein
Centennial Realty Advisors
CBRE
Colorado Real Estate Journal
Conscience Bay Company
East West Partners
Goldberg Properties Inc.

Hampton Yards
Holland & Hart
Lincoln
Nichols Partnership
Oakwood Real Estate Partners
Pennrose
Pless Law Firm
Trailbreak Partners
The W.W. Reynolds Companies

Students attending the annual CU Real Estate Forum get opportunities to network with industry leaders, gain insights into key trends, and carve out their career paths.

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Sixth Annual Bascom Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competition Winners Announced

Erik William Jeffries — Wed, 13 Nov 2024 00:58:16 +0000

Sixth Annual Bascom Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competition Winners Announced Erik William J… Tue, 11/12/2024 - 17:58

The winning team will go on to compete at the 11th Annual Sherman Miller Real Estate Case Competition this spring.

(The winning team, Flatiron Capital (from left to right): Jonah Duran, Aidan Fletcher, Emma Bedrick, Alex Jones and Peter Hawkins.)

Jonah Duran, Aidan Fletcher, Emma Bedrick, Alex Jones and Peter Hawkins formed the first place team that won $1,000 in prize money at the Sixth Annual Bascom Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competition. They will go on to compete at the 11th Annual Sherman Miller Real Estate Case Competition.

The Bascom Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competition launched in 2019 to expand opportunities for CU’s real estate students to gain experience with real-world business cases, develop their analytical skills and prepare for success in the commercial real estate industry. To participate, students audition for a semester long co-curricular program, which builds on their coursework to improve presentation, speaking and collaboration skills, along with providing hands-on practice with contemporary market conditions and analytics.

The case competition program, which uses a case study-based method, is generously supported by Bascom and the David Kim family. A strong supporter of higher education and experiential learning, Kim recognized the advantage students have in their career search when they’re given chances to tie together academics and business scenarios before graduation.

“The Bascom Case Competition is an excellent opportunity for our students to address real-world challenges and apply the knowledge gained from classroom experiences,” said Julie Gibson, executive director of the Klump Center for Real Estate. “Co-curricular activities through the Klump Center act as a differentiator for our students and graduates.”

The winning students also shared their thoughts about bringing what they learned in class to the competition.

“The curriculum from REAL 3000: Principles of Real Estate was helpful in accurately determin[ing] the optimal buy and sell prices for the investment property,”

said Aidan Fletcher.

“It isn’t until you look at a real estate transaction on your own that you understand how many components go into making a transaction successful,” said Alex Jones. “The case competition allowed me to apply the concepts that I learned in my classes into a real project where I could understand what it truly takes to handle a transaction.”

The team prepared for the competition by joining a workshop series led by team of Center staff, Leeds faculty and volunteer industry professionals. During the workshops, the team spent time diving into in-depth real estate concepts and providing time for students to practice their presentation.

“The practice case feedback really set us apart,” explained Peter Hawkins. “We were given over 15 minutes of direct feedback on our analysis and presentation style. In the moment, it was challenging to hear what we did wrong, but our group rallied around the feedback, embraced our old mistakes and worked hard to fix them.”

Jones added, “The workshop series helped me understand how to look at real estate from a creative and practical lens. The instruction and training also emphasized the importance of presentation delivery so we could confidently present in front of judges.”

The workshops and practice not only led the students to victory, but they also provided them with the skills to confidently move forward in their careers. Jonah Duran shared that “this experience was unmatched in preparation for my career, as I now have the confidence, skills and connections to pursue a number of fields in the industry.”

Fletcher shared a similar sentiment. “The case competition had a profound impact on my career journey. It offered invaluable insights into investment real estate beyond what is typically covered in the classroom. The experience not only enhanced my problem-solving skills, adaptability and professional presentation abilities—it also has served as a significant differentiator in job interviews and applications.”

The winning team will have another opportunity to build their real estate chops by competing at the 11th Annual Sherman Miller Estate Case Competition in April 2025. In partnership with CU ��ý�� and the University of Denver, the CSU Everitt Real Estate center will host the competition where students will be asked to perform a valuation, tenant mix, rent rolls, cash flows, and more of a retail commercial development.

For students who want to get involved in future case competitions to build their practical experience, they can visit the Klump Center's Co-Curricular page.

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Career Paths: Auggie Gehret Shares the Power of Networking

Srishti Sharma — Thu, 17 Oct 2024 18:38:08 +0000

Career Paths: Auggie Gehret Shares the Power of Networking Srishti Sharma Thu, 10/17/2024 - 12:38

In a challenging job market, Auggie Gehret connected with alumni and industry professionals to launch his career in commercial real estate.

For recent graduate Auggie Gehret (Fin, RelEst’24), networking was the key to landing his first full-time job as a real estate analyst at Ares Management Corporation, thanks to an internship and the support of Leeds alumnus Jeff Latier (MBA’08).

Little did Gehret know that volunteering at the Annual CU Real Estate Golf Tournament would kickstart his career. He was assisting with setting up chairs and signs when the program director introduced him to Latier.

Practice makes perfect

Despite having a new connection, Gehret wasn’t a pro at networking. “My first networking call with someone who wasn’t a recent grad was with Jeff, and yes, I was definitely nervous,” he said.

“I think a lot of students are afraid to ask questions that don’t seem smart.” He encourages students to ask detailed questions to learn as much as they can. Even questions that might seem unsophisticated “can help you navigate your job search and career placement.”

Latier echoed that sentiment. “It’s kind of like life—you’ve got to practice. The more reps you do, the better you get. It might start out clunky, but it gets better over time.”

As an active alum with the Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate and CU as a mentor and guest lecturer, Latier is always excited to meet with students interested in his career and expertise. “People genuinely want to help students and are willing to set time aside. It’s a unique opportunity to take advantage of.”

“People genuinely want to help students and are willing to set time aside. It’s a unique opportunity to take advantage of.”

Jeff Latier (MBA’08)

“The real estate center supported me in leveraging their network,” Gehret said. “Once I talked to Jeff, I was able to snowball that into conversations with other professionals.” His connections with other CU alumni helped him find an internship at Ares before his senior year.

Building a network

For Gehret, building a solid network came from getting involved at Leeds. He participated in the CU Real Estate Club, Real Estate Fellows Program and multiple case competitions, including the Undergraduate Real Estate Case Competition.

“The core curriculum helped to set me up,” said Gehret. He found Teaching Professor Curtis Sears’ Intro to Real Estate and Real Estate Senior Seminar to be instrumental. “He gave me a more holistic understanding of the commercial real estate industry.”

Beyond classes, events helped him build experience. “I think what really topped off my ability to get my ideal post-grad role were the external events held by the center.”

“The heart of the work we do at the Klump Center is providing students the opportunity to meet, interact and learn from industry practitioners,” said Julie Gibson, the Sherman R. Miller Executive Director of the Klump Center. “Jeff Latier is a great example of an alumnus who continually gives back to his alma mater by taking time to meet with students. For Auggie, taking advantage of the experiential learning the center offers paid off with landing a top job in the region,” she added.

Gehret found the Real Estate Case Competition to be a great way to stand out. “It was by far the most influential for my professional development. It gave me the chance to develop skills and knowledge that applied to nearly all real estate roles and let me network with industry professionals who served as judges.”

Latier emphasized the value of Leeds’ opportunities. “The ability to work on a real-life real estate project and get feedback from senior-level executives sets the real estate program apart.”

Refining career goals

Initially, Gehret didn’t intend to go into commercial real estate. He planned for a career in investment banking, but as he learned more about real estate, it sparked a passion. He didn’t have a clear picture, though, of what working in commercial real estate might look like.

After meeting Latier at the tournament and having a conversation on Zoom, Gehret connected with a dozen other professionals who worked at Ares, most of whom were CU alumni. Those conversations helped him gain a better understanding of his path.

“Jeff and other CU alumni really helped me understand commercial real estate outside of the classroom,” said Gehret. “From there, I was able to narrow what I wanted, and I really directed my job search and extracurriculars with that in mind.”

He was most interested in portfolio management, a specialized area within real estate that involves managing a firm’s investment holdings. “Trying to independently understand exactly what a position entails is challenging, but it helps in narrowing down the roles you’re interested in,” he explained.

“I really had to network with people who understood the position and what the day-to-day looks like,” Gehret said. As he approached the interview process, those conversations about the role and team functions prepared him to thoughtfully craft his answers to interview questions. “Networking with all of those people was pivotal to me getting hired,” he said.

Paying it forward

Latier reinforced leveraging the alumni network. “Alumni are extremely loyal. It’s a result of this wonderful cycle that starts with the real estate program and Leeds providing a high-quality student experience, and then students want to give back as they grow.”

Gehret is following Latier’s lead as a dedicated and involved alum. He communicates frequently with staff and faculty at the Klump Center and recently joined a roundtable of professionals to speak with students. “It was nice to be on the other side and give advice on how they can start their career,” he said.

Latier continues to be energized by the questions he gets from students. “I’m always happy to meet with students and come back to campus. It’s a great way to give back and stay connected.”

To learn about the wide range of career resources and networking opportunities at Leeds, visit the Career Development Office.

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$15M gift to transform real estate education and student wellness at CU ��ý��

Srishti Sharma — Thu, 12 Sep 2024 21:01:43 +0000

$15M gift to transform real estate education and student wellness at CU ��ý�� Srishti Sharma Thu, 09/12/2024 - 15:01

By Katy Marquardt Hill • Published: Sept. 12, 2024

Students pursuing a career in real estate will soon see their learning opportunities sharply appreciated: On Thursday, CU ��ý�� announced a groundbreaking $15 million donation from CU ��ý�� alumnus Michael Klump to revolutionize the real estate center in the Leeds School of Business, as well as support essential student health and wellness programs in the College of Arts and Sciences.

“This transformational gift highlights the power of philanthropy,” said CU Chancellor Justin Schwartz.

“It will support students, faculty, staff and research activities across the vast and dynamic real estate field, driving innovation and enriching educational experiences on campus. Additionally, it will provide crucial support for wellness programs and student mental health.”

The investment will allocate $13 million to enhance the newly renamed Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate—formerly known as the CU Real Estate Center. This portion of the gift, one of the largest ever given to a real estate center in the United States, will strengthen the center's academics, industry partnerships and career support in the years ahead.

The real estate center, led by Professor Christophe Spaenjers, who serves as faculty director, and Julie Gibson, who serves as the Sherman R. Miller Executive Director, is one of six centers of excellence in the Leeds School which work to help students translate, integrate and transfer classroom concepts into real-world insights.

“This gift is pivotal for CU’s real estate program, providing significant resources that will advance the center’s leadership, enhance student programming and offer student financial assistance,” said Gibson. “The endowment component of this gift ensures that CU’s dedication to real estate education will continue for many generations to come.”

An additional $2 million will support programs in the College of Arts and Sciences that promote CU ��ý�� students' mental health and well-being. Through the Hellems Fund for Collective Belonging and the Hellems Fund for Fostering Success, this gift will contribute to mental health programming, resources and student support, and welcome programs and outreach initiatives for first-year and transfer students.

Michael Klump

Promoting academic excellence and industry connections

Klump’s investment in the Leeds School will expand leading-edge programs with top real estate faculty and industry partnerships that prepare students to be experts in the dynamic real estate field. The donation represents a major advancement for the center, which was founded in 1997 by passionate alumni and industry leaders as a way to bolster future real estate professionals and promote important research within their field. Thirty years ago, the center supported 10–20 students per year; today it provides opportunities for nearly 450 students annually.

The $13 million donation to the center will endow three faculty positions in real estate finance at the chair and professorship levels. It will also create four funds to advance innovative academics, establish an endowed scholarship, enhance students’ career growth, and strengthen the center’s reputation within the business and alumni communities.

Klump’s significant contribution underscores the profound impact of community support on CU ��ý��’s mission and the Leeds School of Business. “The gift will provide rich opportunities to CU ��ý�� students and contribute to Leeds’ legacy of excellence. Strong support from the real estate community has been a hallmark of our connection with industry,” said Vijay Khatri, the Tandean Rustandy Endowed Dean at the Leeds School of Business.

A gift that fuels the future

With a successful real estate career spanning over 30 years, Klump is the founder and chairman of RCG Ventures, a leading commercial real estate investment firm. Additionally, he co-founded Equity Investment Group, a private real estate investment trust focused on neighborhood shopping centers and established Argonne Capital Group, a private investment firm specializing in companies within the restaurant, retail and service industries. While a sophomore at CU ��ý��, Klump got his real estate license and began selling houses on The Hill. He interned at a commercial shopping center development firm between his junior and senior years and found his niche. “I owe a lot of my success to attending the University of Colorado, where I had the privilege of meeting inspiring individuals and forming lifelong connections across the country,” said Klump. “These experiences have deeply motivated me to give back and set an example. I hope my contribution to CU ��ý�� will inspire others to join in the spirit of generosity and make a meaningful impact.”

In addition to being a real estate entrepreneur, Klump is a steadfast philanthropist, generously supporting a diverse range of organizations over the years through the Klump Family Foundation. He said his commitment to giving back reflects a deep belief in the power of philanthropy to drive positive change.

Professor Christophe Spaenjers, faculty director of the newly renamed Klump Center for Real Estate, speaks with graduate students in the Koelbel building after their Real Estate Finance and Investment class.

“My hope is that this gift will provide students with broad exposure to the diverse opportunities within real estate, whether they choose to embark on a career immediately, pursue further education, or explore various facets of the industry,” Klump said. “The real estate world is vast and dynamic, with potential for local, regional, national and even international impact, and I am excited to support a program that will open doors and inspire future leaders in this field.”

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Ben Woolf to Lead the International Advisory Board for the Colorado University Real Estate Center

Christen DeThomas — Wed, 10 Jul 2024 19:57:14 +0000

Ben Woolf to Lead the International Advisory Board for the Colorado University Real Estate Center Christen DeThomas Wed, 07/10/2024 - 13:57

For nearly 20 years, University of Colorado real estate alumnus Ben Woolf has been giving back to his alma mater. This year, he is taking on a new challenge as chairperson for the International Advisory Board (IAB) for the University of Colorado Real Estate Center (CUREC), a role he will helm for two years. Woolf earned his MBA with a real estate focus in 2004 from the Leeds School of Business.

I feel a sense of responsibility to give back to CUREC, Leeds and the students by stepping into the chairperson role," Woolf said. “For the past 20 years, I have seen time and time again CUREC’s impact on students and the real estate industry, and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without CUREC. I look forward to serving the center in this new capacity.

Leeds and CUREC benefit from a robust and engaged alumni community and a powerful group of industry supporters. The IAB, an invitation-only board, consists of C-suite leaders from the nation’s leading real estate firms who commit significant resources to support the academic and co-curricular work of CUREC. The board provides counsel, curriculum advice, mentorships, financial support, industry insights and career opportunities for the program.

“Ben’s commitment and involvement with CU since he graduated has been tremendous. He is strategic and thoughtful in all he does, and I can think of no one better to step into the chair role for the IAB. Ben has taught the MBA Real Estate Principles class at CU the past several years, so he has seen firsthand the impact that CUREC has had on hundreds of CU students and alumni,” said Julie Gibson, executive director of CUREC. “He is enormously respected by the real estate industry, and we are thrilled to welcome him as the new IAB chair.”

Woolf, who is co-founder and director of commercial investments for Conscience Bay Company, a private equity firm focused on real estate assets in and around Colorado, was part of the CUREC alumni board for 15 years. He joined CUREC's advisory board in 2023. He has also worked for the CU Real Estate Foundation in a project manager (asset manager/portfolio manager) role and was president of the Leeds MBA alumni board in 2018-19.

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Ben Woolf to Lead the International Advisory Board for the Colorado University Real Estate Center

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CU Real Estate Forum Offers First Look at Sundance Film Festival in ��ý��

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