Annual Awards Event Benefits Fordham's ‘Building Futures' Scholarship Fund
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / June 25, 2024 / The Fordham Real Estate Institute (REI) brought together hundreds of business and real estate professionals at its Lincoln Center campus June 18 for the second annual "Building Futures" premier awards gala to celebrate industry visionaries and support future careers in commercial real estate.
Dr. Anthony R. Davidson, dean of Fordham University's School of Professional and Continuing Studies, was joined by REI Executive Advisory Council Chair Ryan O'Connor, president and CEO of Clinton Management, in honoring industry leaders shaping New York City's landscape. The event benefitted Fordham's Building Futures Scholarship Fund, which offers low-income New Yorkers access to REI's courses and programs, and to careers in real estate and construction.
"We are proud to honor the women and men who are leading the real estate industry to the next level," said Davidson. "We also recognize the importance of preparing the future leaders of real estate, and creating opportunities for students to achieve their career goals."
"Real estate is a relationship industry, which is beneficial to those within the industry, but not if you're on the outside looking in," said O'Connor. "Building Futures gives students that first shot and, from there, they do the work. A lot of people who rose to the top of this industry came from humble beginnings and can relate to these students - it's a natural extension and it's why we've gotten such positive feedback."
Steven Roth, chairman and CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, served as honorary host and presented the 2024 Visionary Award to Ethan Penner, CEO of Mosaic Real Estate Investors. "Ethan is a financial first-responder. When there is chaos and confusion in the markets, he runs into the fire in search of the opportunity," Roth said. "That's what makes him unique. Calm markets and day-to-day stuff are of little interest to Ethan. He is really, really smart, with a healthy dose of curiosity and a pinch of cynicism."
Penner has built and led numerous investment and origination businesses. In 2015, he founded Mosaic, which specializes in high-quality fixed-income investment opportunities and at its peak had assets under management near $1 billion. In 2008, Penner founded and led CBRE Capital Partners. He has taught at the University of Southern California's graduate business school and Pepperdine University, and is the author of "Greatness Is a Choice".
"I'm honored and moved to be given the Visionary Award by Fordham at a beautiful event at their Lincoln Center campus. That my mentor and old friend Steve Roth, a true giant in the history of real estate, presented it to me makes the moment even more special," said Penner. "The primary requirement of a visionary is to identify unmet needs and then to invest oneself in trying to meet those needs. Everyone can be a visionary, but it requires courage to go a new and untraveled path, often against the advice of most people. We live in a very confusing time and the need for visionary leadership, action and courage is unprecedented. It is my hope that in my small way, I can inspire many others to find their visionary selves. I thank Fordham Real Estate Institute for honoring me and for identifying to their constituents the importance of being a visionary."
This year's Groundbreakers Award was presented to Annemarie DiCola, CEO of Trepp Inc., a leading provider of information, analytics and services to the structured finance, CRE and banking markets. "I am honored to receive the Groundbreakers Award. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of the entire Trepp team, whose dedication to innovation and excellence in commercial real estate has made this achievement possible," said DiCola. "We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in our industry, and this award inspires us to continue leading the way."
Mosfigul Aktar, CEO of AlphaRithm AI, received the Titan of Tomorrow Award. Aktar co-founded AlphaRithm AI, which uses data-driven insights and democratized analytics to revolutionize the real estate industry. "This accolade is not just a testament to my personal journey, but also a recognition of the collective efforts of my team at AlphaRithm AI," said Aktar. "As an immigrant, a first-generation American and an entrepreneur, this honor represents the perseverance and resilience that have been key to working toward making great impacts on society. It underscores our mission of pioneering a transparent and equitable exchange and enhancing the living standards of the built environment."
ABOUT THE FORDHAM REAL ESTATE INSTITUTE
The Fordham Real Estate Institute is a part of Fordham's School of Professional and Continuing Studies and offers a Master of Science in Real Estate, a Master of Science in Real Estate Development, Master of Science in Construction Management, Master of Science in Hospitality, advanced graduate certificates in real estate finance, development, management and construction management, a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate, and a comprehensive array of professional certificates in real estate and construction at its campuses in Manhattan, West Harrison, N.Y., and London, England. The programs are developed and taught by leading industry practitioners and are centered on imparting real-world professional skill sets. Flexibility and convenience are program hallmarks as classes can be taken in-person, online, and at various paces. For information, visit www.fordham.edu/pcs.
Photo credit: Chris Taggart
Attending the June 18, 2024 Building Futures awards event were (from left): Fordham Real Estate Institute (REI) Executive Advisory Council Chair Ryan O'Connor, president and CEO of Clinton Management; Mosfigul Aktar, CEO of AlphaRithm AI, (Titan of Tomorrow Award); Annemarie DiCola, CEO of Trepp Inc. (Groundbreakers Award); Dr. Anthony R. Davidson, dean of Fordham University's School of Professional and Continuing Studies; Ethan Penner, CEO of Mosaic Real Estate Investors (Visionary Award); Steven Roth, chairman and CEO of Vornado Realty Trust, honorary host; Louis Mirando, REI advisory council member, and principal Streamline Realty Funding; and REI Executive Director Joshua Harris
Media Contact:
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SOURCE: Fordham Real Estate Institute
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