Back to the Future with the Return of the MS to UW-Madison Real Estate
Plans are moving forward to reestablish the Real Estate MS degree at UW Madison in the Fall of 2019. In addition to undergraduates from UW Madison, it is expected that the program would draw undergraduates from outside of the University, as well as international students from Europe and Asia. The MS Program addresses the need of some of today’s students who have a passion for real estate but who want to choose a focused curriculum where students learn the technical aspects of commercial real estate. The MS degree will be a great complement to the UW Real Estate Program’s already strong BBA and MBA Programs.
A Message from the Real Estate Club

The Real Estate Club has had a busy and exciting semester! Catch up on the "Fall Speaker Series" and read a recap of their Fall Field Trip to Minneapolis in a Real Estate Club Update from Co-Presidents Hans Helland (MBA 2019) and Matt Allard (MBA 2019) on the WREAA Network Blog.
Membership Renewal Notices on the Way
2019 WREAA dues notices have been sent! 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.
The WREAA gratefully acknowledges the generous financial support received from its 2018 Cornerstone and Sustaining members . Please consider upgrading your regular alumni membership to a Cornerstone or Sustaining Member in 2019 to help WREAA continue its investment in the UW Real Estate Program.
Wisconsin Connection Fund Donation Celebrates Badger Connections
Brian Eisendrath (BBA 2000) of CBRE, recently made a $20,000 donation to the Wisconsin Connection Fund. The donation was made to commemorate long term friendships built with several alumni owned companies including The Bascom Group, Pathfinder Partners, Magnolia Capital, the DSF Group and the Bond Companies.
 
Brian's commitment to the Connection Fund spans more than 10 years, with his first donation being made in 2006. Brian joined CBRE in 2005 and today is Vice Chairman and Managing Director at CBRE Capital Markets in the greater Los Angeles area. Brian and his team are proud to have arranged over $5 billion of capital for friends from the University of Wisconsin. Many thanks to Brian and On Wisconsin!
Considering Making a 2018 Year-End Donation?
Since 1997, the Wisconsin Connection Fund has been the beneficiary of donations made by UW alumni and friends who are involved in real estate transactions with one another. The Wisconsin Connection Fund proceeds are used to directly impact the UW Real Estate Program through funding of WREAA student ambassador positions, scholarships, and student field trips, as well as new initiatives undertaken by the Real Estate Program. To learn more about making a donation to the fund, visit the WREAA website or call the WREAA Office at 262-746-9030.
Recent Graduates: Don't Miss Your Chance to Connect with a WREAA Mentor
WREAA wants each new graduate of the top ranked UW Real Estate Program to succeed in the real estate industry! The Recent Graduate Mentorship Program is designed to help recent graduates (2014-2018) gain traction in the industry and help them to develop their Wisconsin network. More than 300 mentoring sessions with experience real estate alumni representing a wide range of industry sectors are currently available.
 
Follow these steps to participate as a mentee:   
  1. Pay your 2019 membership dues. 
  2. Contact Mandy Kaegy via email by December 31, 2018 to register.
  3. Make new connections in the Wisconsin Real Estate Network!
Matt Bertram
Southeast Regional Director
Welcome to Southeast Regional Director, Matt Bertram, who was elected to serve on the WREAA Board of Directors in September. As the Founder and CEO of Capital Slack, a technology enabled commercial real estate mortgage marketplace, Matt is responsible for running all facets of the business shifting gracefully between his tech hoodie and business suit. Matt has a proven track record of leading business development in commercial real estate lending, originating in excess of $5 billion in loan transactions over the course of his career. Most recently, Matt ran the Midwest CMBS originations team for PGIM Real Estate Finance. 

Matt received a BBA in Real Estate and in Finance in 2002 from the Business School at The University of Wisconsin Madison. He is a member of the Urban Land Institute and is a graduate of the inaugural Atlanta ULI Center for Leadership program. Matt holds the Chartered Financial Analyst® designation. Matt is also a member of the James A. Graaskamp Center for Real Estate Board of Advisors. Matt is the proud recipient of the Wisconsin Connection Fund Deal of the Year award for 2015.
Alexis Block
Northeast Regional Director
Alexis Block joined the WREAA Board of Directors in September as the Northeast Regional Director. Alexis is a Director within Deutsche Bank’s commercial real estate finance group. Her primary responsibilities include the origination, structuring / negotiation, execution and distribution of commercial real estate loans through securitization and loan syndications. Alexis joined Deutsche Bank in May 2014. She has over 15 years of commercial real estate experience and has originated, participated in and closed over $45 billion of commercial real estate loans. Alexis graduated in 2003 from the University of Wisconsin with a BBA in Real Estate and in Finance, Investment and Banking. Welcome to Alexis!
Gold Corporate Partners
Silver Corporate Partner
Partner with WREAA in 2019
Showcase Your Organization while Supporting the UW Real Estate Program
Corporate sponsorship builds visibility, cultivates relationships with decision makers and provides an excellent forum to showcase your organization. Download WREAA's sponsorship brochure and contact Mandy Kaegy for more information.
WREAA Celebrates December Graduates
WREAA sponsored a celebratory dinner in honor of students who will graduate in December. The dinner was held Tuesday, December 4, at Danny's Pub in Madison. UW Faculty and WREAA Executive Director Chris Dicks, were in attendance with well wishes and to welcome the newest WREAA members. Congrats to all!
Upcoming Events
December 17, 2018
Minnesota Holiday Happy Hour
September 25-26, 2018
Wisconsin Real Estate Trends Conference, Chicago, Illinois
Around the Regions
Eastern Wisconsin Hears Presentation About WorkLofts
Northeast -New York Tours WeWork Headquarters
Names in the News
Tim Carlson (BBA 2001) has been promoted from Senior Advisor to Principal at Cresa Minneapolis in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You can contact Tim at tcarlson@cresa.com .  

Ben Millis (BBA 2005) was recently employed by Avison Young as Principal in Las Vegas, Nevada. Contact Ben at ben.millis@avisonyoung.com .

Michael Savides (BBA 2008) was recently employed by Timberland Partners as an Acquisitions Associate in Minneapolis, Minnesota and can be reached at mjsavides@gmail.com .

Alexandra Schultz (BBA 2014) has been promoted from Relationship Manager to Assistant Vice President for Wells Fargo in the Commercial Real Estate Group in San Francisco, California. She can be reached at alexandra.schultz@wellsfargo.com .

August Ewald (BBA 2018) was recently employed by PGIM Real Estate as an Investment Analyst in Madison, New Jersey and can be reached at augie.ewald@gmail.com . 

Kimberly Hofstede has been promoted from Vice President to Senior Vice President at Founders Properties in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Kimberly can be reached at Kimberly.Hofstede@foundersproperties.com .

To have your announcement included in the next newsletter, email Jane Miller .
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