WEISER CENTER FOR REAL ESTATE
MISSION AND VISION
The Weiser Center for Real Estate at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business provides students with access to new knowledge about the real estate industry, helping them develop skills that will translate into a career in real estate, and enhances their level of connectivity with alumni and industry professionals
The Weiser Center serves as a hub for all things real estate at the University of Michigan, providing students with educational and professional development opportunities, supporting applied research responsive to the needs of industry and policymakers, and serving as a catalyst for interdisciplinary collaboration at the University and beyond.
ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE YEAR
The Real Estate Academy provides access to industry knowledge and focuses on supporting underrepresented students This year, 19 students traveled to New York City for a four-day immersive experience, featuring casebased exercises, career development opportunities, and alumni networking
The Future of Real Estate Competition encourages students to critically solve major industry challenges, focusing on the intersection of real estate and technology. Last year ' s event tasked students with developing tech solutions for real estate industry problems
The Speed Networking Program connects students with alumni from various industry sectors, helping them expand their network and gain career insights Last fall, during the annual Real Estate Conference, 25 alumni participated in a two hour event, resulting in nearly 200 meetings with students
FROM THE TEAM
At the Weiser Center for Real Estate, we combine talented staff, expert faculty, and passionate alumni to produce a multi-disciplinary approach to real estate education across the University of Michigan Together, we provide students with the knowledge, skills, and connections they need in order to pursue their passion and make a difference in the built environment.
William (Bill) Bubniak Director, Weiser Center for Real Estate
2023–2024
IMPACT BY THE NUMBERS
More than 1,000 students have attended Weiser Center programs since launch in 2021
About 43 students were awarded $130,000 in financial support to help cover travel, housing, and other expenses related to their internships
The Weiser Center introduced real estate at Michigan to over 300 high school and incoming students through workshops and treks integrated into Ross and University outreach programs
Since the Weiser Center's launch, the Real Estate minor has seen significant growth. In the 2023-24 academic year, 88 students declared, 62 graduated, and active enrollment reached 133 Since 2021, 102 students have completed the minor, showcasing the Weiser Center's impact
THINKING AHEAD
VISION FOR THE UPCOMING YEAR
The Weiser Center for Real Estate is dedicated to enhancing educational offerings and expanding opportunities for students. The Weiser Center’s strategic goals and innovative projects reflect its commitment to providing unparalleled industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and personalized support This year, the center aims to accomplish the following:
Grow Participation in Existing Programs: Increase student engagement and participation in current offerings to ensure more students benefit from our resources and opportunities.
Provide More Funding for Students: With the help of donors, internship and scholarship funding can help more students gain valuable industry experience without financial barriers
Increase Enrollment in the Undergraduate Minor in Real Estate: Boost enrollment in the undergraduate minor to make real estate education accessible to a larger number of students, preparing them for successful careers in the field
The Weiser Center is thrilled to announce the forthcoming launch of the Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) fund, which will offer students invaluable handson experience in managing a REIT and making real investments This initiative will position the University of Michigan as one of the few institutions in the country with such a fund, providing unique opportunities for students In addition, the center is introducing a one-on-one mentorship program in collaboration with the Ross School Advisory Board This new initiative will provide a select number of students with personalized guidance from industry experts, further enhancing their educational journey and professional development
DONOR IMPACT
Past donor gifts have profoundly impacted the Center’s activities and initiatives The Blau Initiative for Diversity in Real Estate and Infrastructure, funded by generous donor contributions, benefits underrepresented students by offering workshops, networking opportunities, and guest speakers. This initiative has also led to students pursuing a real estate minor and obtaining remarkable internships. Contributions from S. Scott Stewart have established the center’s internship scholarship program, and the Real Estate and Innovation Fund, provided by Brian and Julie Finerty, has supported awards and planning for the 2024 Future of Real Estate Competition
For the upcoming fiscal year, the Weiser Center’s funding priorities include supporting student programming such as speakers, workshops, and treks, as well as providing crucial internship scholarships. Donor contributions are vital in these areas, as they fully fund the center’s programming and are essential to advancing its mission. Donor support enables the center to continue offering valuable opportunities and making a meaningful impact in the real estate field.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Team:
Bill Bubniak, Faculty Director
Colleen Triezenberg, Student Affairs Manager
Natalie Keene, Community Engagement Coordinator
For more information, please contact us at: um.realestate@umich.edu