Throughout the past year, your WREAA Board of Directors has been working hard to provide valuable programming during our annual conference and in each of our local chapters. We have also been looking closely at new ways that we can help to advance the Real Estate Program at UW Madison. On behalf of the WREAA Board of Directors and staff, I'm very pleased to share this update on a number of important initiatives.

Wisconsin School of Business
Undergoes Transition
Dean Anne Massey has announced plans to step down as dean. She will join the faculty at UW Madison and begin teaching next semester in the Operations and Information Management Department. The school will continue to focus on expanding and building new programs and strengthening the full-time MBA program. Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research Barry Gerhard will help to lead the school until an interim dean is selected. The search for a permanent dean will begin in the Fall of 2018.
Head Back to Madison with WREAA!
The 2018 Biennial Wisconsin Real Estate Reunion and Conference will return to UW Madison's Memorial Union next September, following their final phase of renovation.  The Biennial will be an opportunity to meet and welcome Badger real estate alumnus Dr. Mark Eppli, who will be returning to the UW and joining the Real Estate Faculty Team next fall.  In addition to plenty of networking, the conference will offer a series of high caliber speakers and educational sessions, golf at University Ridge, an opening reception on the Plaza at the Edgewater, and a rousing banquet.  Alumni and friends will also want to attend the first-ever Banquet After Party celebration which will make its debut at the Edgewater's Lakeside Plaza.  Watch the #RE Badger and WREAA social media for information as it unfolds, and make plans to join WREAA in Madison September 13-15, 2018!
Membership Renewal Underway
2018 WREAA dues notices are on the way!  Please continue your support of the Wisconsin Real Estate Program, and involvement in the leading alumni network of commercial real estate professionals! Remember a portion of your dues may be considered tax deductible as a charitable contribution. Check with your tax consultant for advice.  Visit our website or email the WREAA Office for help in renewing your membership.
Mark Eppli to Join UW  
Real Estate Program  
The James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate, the Wisconsin Real Estate Alumni Association (WREAA), and the Wisconsin Realtors Association are pleased to announce that Badger real estate alumnus Mark Eppli (PhD '91, MS '84, and BBA '83), an experienced and highly regarded professor and administrator at Marquette University, will join the teaching and leadership team at the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate at the Wisconsin School of Business in August of 2018. In his new position, Eppli will expand the Center's role in applied commercial real estate research and its dissemination to industry groups, government organizations, academia, and among our students. This announcement comes as a result of joint efforts by the WREAA, the Graaskamp Center for Real Estate, the UW School of Business and the Wisconsin Realtors Association, who worked together to make this hire possible.  
 

The WREAA gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support received from its 2017 Cornerstone and Sustaining members.
Lee Christensen   
Western Wisconsin Regional Director 
WREAA is pleased to welcome Lee Christensen (MBA 2009) to the WREAA Board as the Western Wisconsin Regional Director! Lee is the Development Manager with Gebhardt Development based in Madison, WI. He provides financial analysis for current and prospective projects, asset management and coordination of the development and leasing process. Prior to joining Gebhardt Development, Lee worked at E.J. Plesko & Associates, Inc., a real estate development and property management firm in Madison, WI, as a Senior Associate.

In addition to his work on the WREAA board, he is a member of the James A. Graaskamp Center's Applied Real Estate Investment Track (AREIT) Advisory Board.

Dan Lessor
Pacific Northwest Regional Director 
Dan Lessor (MBA 2010) has joined the WREAA board as the Regional Director for the Pacific Northwest Region. As a development executive with Mortenson Development, Dan is responsible for development management of active projects in the Seattle area, as well as sourcing new development opportunities in Mortenson's various markets, including corporate, healthcare, higher education, hospitality and multi-family.

Dan graduated with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering in 2003 and practiced as an engineer until entering the MBA program at UW Madison in 2008.  He is a active in both NAIOP and NMHC.  Welcome Dan!  
 
Around the Regions
Badgers Mix it Up in Arizona



WREAA New York City Members
Lunch and Learn 



Colorado Chapter Updated on  
Development Environment

 

Cubs Owner, Tom Ricketts, Discusses
Wrigleyville Development
   
 
Washington D.C. Hears the
Latest in Capital Markets 
     


Southern California Badgers
in the Holiday Spirit

 
   



Though all employers are encouraged and able to post new career opportunities in real estate, the Career Hub listings are viewable only to WREAA members.  Members should sign up to receive access to this tremendous resource of employment opportunities at every level.  Simply visit the Career Hub and select the "Subscribe" option at the top of the page!

Sampling of Current Listings
Investment Analyst
Minneapolis, Minnesota 

Development Manager
Indianapolis, Indiana

Financial Analyst
Los Angeles, California 
Asset Management Analyst
San Francisco, California

Senior Analyst/Associate 
Lake Forest, Illinois 

Senior Financial Analyst
Chicago, Illinois 
 

The Career Fair is Back!
The Real Estate Club's 18th annual Real Estate Career Fair will be held Monday, February 12, 2018 at Union South. The Career fair is an excellent opportunity to recruit for internships and entry level positions. Showcase your company to the nearly 300 MBA and Undergraduate students who will be in attendance.


Names in the News
Ruth Davis (MS 1981) has joined NorthMarq Capital as Vice President in Dallas, Texas. Ruth's email address is [email protected] .
 
Kimberly Cozza (BBA 2001) was recently promoted from Vice President to Managing Director for Berkadia Commercial Mortgage in Chicago, Illinois. Contact Kimberly at [email protected] .
 
Scott Jackman , an Affiliate WREAA Member, is now a Partner at Eaton John Overbey Jackman, LLP in Wausau, Wisconsin. Scott can be contacted at [email protected] .
 
Nick Miller (BBA 2013) has relocated from Chicago, Illinois to Los Angeles, California. Nick works for Freddie Mac as a Senior Producer. Get in touch with Nick at [email protected] .  
 
Catherine Quinn (MS 1980) was recently promoted from Director to Commercial Regional Operations Director for TD Bank in Asheville, North Carolina. Catherine can be reached at [email protected] .
 
Charles LeClaire (BBA 1974) has been promoted from Senior Vice President - Investments to Executive Managing Director - Investments. Charles works for Marcus & Millichap.  Reach Charles at [email protected] . 

Chad Greene (BBA 1994) has joined Red Capital as Director in Reston, Virginia. Chad's email address is [email protected].

Annamarie Bjorklund (BBA 2015) has joined Origin Investments as an Associate in Chicago, Illinois. Get in touch with Annamarie at [email protected].
 
We'd like to hear from you.  Please email Jane Miller to have your news included in the next newsletter 
MORE NAMES IN
THE NEWS