On Friday, March 3, the Tufts Career Center and the Tufts Financial Network held its first Real Estate Forum on the Medford Campus. Modeled after the annual Finance Career Forum, the Real Estate Forum brought together alumni and students to explore various career opportunities in the real estate industry.
“My fellow panelists and I were thrilled with the interest level demonstrated by Tufts students in this dynamic industry,” stated Ron Dickerman, A85, President of Madison International Reality and chief volunteer organizer of the program. “Real estate has become a global asset class combining so many disciplines and offering multiple career paths.
The symposium was intended to expose students to accomplished industry professionals who were willing to share their own experiences and life lessons,” said Dickerman who also served as the program’s moderator.
The Forum began with a small lunch hosted by Provost David Harris for the six alumni panelists and student leaders from the Tufts Real Estate Society, Tufts Financial Group Real Estate Sector, and TFG Executive Board. In all 40 students participated in this afternoon program featuring an overview of the industry, two panel discussions and a networking reception. Alumni participants were:
Michael Chang, A00, Managing Director, Angelo, Gordon & Co.
Ron Dickerman, A85, President, Madison International Realty
Meghann Gill, J01, Vice President, SL Green Realty Corp.
Paul Glickman, A84, A16P, Vice Chairman, JLL
Lori Roth, J86, Senior Managing Director, Ashley Capital
Ted Tye, A79, A06P, A13P, Managing Partner, National Development
“Real Estate is a great field with a growing interest here on campus,” stated Chris Di Fronzo, Director of the Tufts Finance Initiative, and co-organizer. “That interest is a relatively recent development and bringing seasoned professionals (all Jumbos) back to campus to give students an understanding of the industry will not only help educate them, but continue to foster the growth here on campus.”
Student reaction has been overwhelmingly positive to this new program. “The content of the forum was great–full of valuable material. I’m sure the participants learned a lot from it; I know that I definitely did,” wrote one Tufts undergraduate after spending the afternoon at the Real Estate Forum.
“It is always wonderful when alumni are willing to give of their time and provide knowledge and advice to students here on campus,” stated Di Fronzo. “We look forward to making this an annual event.”