—Apr. 2, 2007

Twenty-six national and regional companies participated in the Real Estate Finance and Development Expo hosted by the College of Business Center for Student Professional Development March 26.

Thanks to UTSA alum, Cheryl Garcia, BBA ’85, MBA ’99, who chairs the program’s task force, nearly 300 UTSA students were able to meet and speak with representatives from various real estate and finance companies regarding career opportunities and internships in this growing field. As part of the Expo, the Responsible Growth Alliance donated a 26” plasma screen television as a door prize for students attending the event. Omar Collier, a finance major, was the lucky recipient.

Over $30,000 in contributions has been raised this year from the Greater San Antonio Education Foundation, the San Antonio Board of Realtors, local real estate developers and others associated with this industry to fund program development.

The Department of Finance offers a bachelor's of business administration degree in real estate finance and development. This degree is specifically for students interested in career in managing businesses associated with real estate and the planning, financing, development and construction of building projects. Graduates will be able to explore career opportunities in areas such as financial analysis, market analysis, mortgage banking and real estate finance, real estate development and real estate investment.

"This degree capitalizes on the department's existing expertise in real estate,” said Keith Fairchild, chair of the Department of Finance. "It will increase our visibility in the real estate community through an enhanced and broadened perspective of the industry.” In San Antonio, the real estate industry employs more than 131,000 people and generates an economic impact of $19.4 billion each year.

Wendy Frost—

Please send your comments to: wendy.frost@utsa.edu

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