The 2023 Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Conference and Reunion is shaping up to be an exciting and informative event. The theme "Facing Challenges" is the central focus, bringing together a diverse group of nearly 500 attendees including alumni, friends, students, and faculty. The event is scheduled for September 21-22, 2023, and will take place at the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus.

One of the many highlights of the conference will be the Graaskamp Real Estate Visionary Award presentation to Chris Merrill, who is the Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Harrison Street. This award recognizes his significant contributions to the real estate industry. Other speakers will include Morgan Housel, author of The Psychology of Money, and William McNulty, Head of Mission White Stork who will talk about organizational purpose and effective teamwork. In addition, a series of compelling panels and sessions will take place. Friday afternoon will feature concurrent property type forums, designed to provide attendees with an opportunity for interactive discussions and a targeted networking experience.

Alumni are encouraged to invite a colleague to register for this year’s Biennial. The event is sure to be packed with networking opportunities and chances to learn from experts and peers in the real estate industry. Attendees can find more detailed information about the program on the Biennial Conference Website.

Alexandra Kirk is a Vice President of Development and Construction at Jamestown based in the Atlanta office. She currently manages development, overseeing each project’s vision, providing financial analysis, securing entitlements and hiring and managing the design and construction teams through project completion. Today, her primary focus is on the development of Phase II of Ponce City Market in Atlanta. Previously, Alexandra worked in Skanska Commercial Development’s Boston Office. As a member of the development team, she worked on several of the company’s multifamily projects including managing the $150M sale of the Harlo, a 212-unit boutique apartment building in the Fenway neighborhood. She also managed the acquisition of a 6-acre mixed use site in the heart of Boston. She began her career in Washington DC working for Gensler as a project designer. 

Liz joined Alatus in 2022 as a Development Associate. She assists with all aspects of the multifamily development process, including but not limited to, managing predevelopment activities, underwriting, and ongoing project management. Before joining Alatus, Liz was a full time MBA student at the University of Wisconsin where she studied at the Graaskamp Center for Real Estate. Prior to graduate school, she worked at Colliers in Chicago on their industrial sales team. Liz holds an undergraduate degree from Colgate University with a double major in economics and Spanish. 

The Real Estate Club will be holding its Fall Career Fair immediately preceding the Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Conference on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, from 4-6 PM. Registration and more information is available via the link below.

In July, the Northern California Summer Happy Hour brought together members and guests of the WREAA at the Wine Society in San Francisco. The event offered an opportunity for attendees to connect and engage in discussions about the evolving Bay Area real estate market. The gathering provided a platform for fellow Badgers to share insights, experiences, and perspectives on the current state of the industry. Thank you to the event's organizer, Mitesh Patel (MBA 2014), WREAA Regional Director for the Northwest Region, who played a pivotal role in coordinating the event.  

WREAA members and guests in the New York City area gathered in early August for an exciting event. The group began with a property tour of Sven, a remarkable 67-story LEED Platinum residential tower in Long Island City. Led by representatives from The Durst Organization, participants had the opportunity to explore this architectural marvel situated adjacent to the historic Long Island City Clock Tower in Queens.

Following the tour, attendees reconvened at Pig Beach BBQ for a networking happy hour. Camille Kelleher (BBA 2018), Associate Market Director for the Northeast Region, and Jason Udoff (BBA 2013), Senior Market Director for the Northeast Region, deserve special recognition for their coordination of the event. Their efforts ensured that participants had an exceptional opportunity to learn and connect.

The Annual Tri-Region Badger Golf Outing at Hawk's View Golf Club in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin was held in late July. WREAA members and guests enjoyed 18 holes of golf on a beautiful day. Following a very close competition, the team of Patrick Carroll, Mike Crivello, Andy Evans & Jared Schnoll came in 14 under par to edge out the competition. Following the competition, the group networked during a full cookout dinner buffet.  

Many thanks to WREAA At-Large Director, Chris Carroll, for coordinating the Golf Outing.

The Annual WREAA Southern California Badger Golf Open was held on a beautiful day in early August at Tijeras Creek Golf Club in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Following a day of friendly competition, prizes were awarded at a 19th Hole Reception, sponsored by Casey Realty, Inc. The winning team was Steve Corrigan, Seth Levin, Chad Sanderson and Scott McClave. Harrison Eddy scored the Longest Drive, and Danny Eisendrath was awarded the “Closest to the Pin” prize.

Special thanks to Chris Casey, (MS 1984), WREAA Southern California Regional Director, for coordinating this year's outing.