CREFC Announces the Sixth Annual CREFC Scholars
The
CRE Finance Council (CREFC) and the
Schack Institute of Real Estate at New York University's School of Professional Studies have proudly introduced the 2025-2026 CREFC Scholars. This program serves to highlight and support promising students dedicated to a career in commercial real estate finance.
Highlighting Academic Excellence and Leadership
In this year's cohort, two undergraduate and four graduate scholars have been selected based on their outstanding academic performance, leadership potential, and a clear focus on the field of commercial real estate finance. The scholarship committee received a remarkable response, with
37 ambitious students vying for this opportunity.
Meet the Scholars
Undergraduate Scholars
1.
Matthew Volkening: A senior specializing in Real Estate Finance at the NYU Schack Institute. Volkening has an extensive background in investment analysis and is also a dedicated member of NYU's Men’s Varsity Basketball team, reflecting both academic and athletic excellence.
2.
Phuc Le: Another senior at the Schack Institute concentrating on Real Estate Finance. Le has gained significant insight through various internships, including his role at Silverstein Properties, where he worked on acquisition efforts for significant development projects.
Graduate Scholars
1.
Souleymane Ba: Enrolled in the Master of Science in Real Estate program, Souleymane has engaged in transformative internships that have allowed him to explore diverse markets and real estate fundamentals extensively.
2.
Julie Dettwiler: Pursuing the same master’s degree, Dettwiler's experience in financial modeling for real estate has positioned her as a rising star in the sector. Her passion is reflected in her work on sustainable design renovations.
3.
Ahmed ElTir: Focused on developing a career in real estate capital markets, ElTir brings experience from varying markets and displays a dedication to understanding the financial narratives behind urban development.
4.
Juliana Rivera Vallejo: Currently enrolled in the Master’s program, she brings substantial practical experience from Colombia and actively engages in competitions to deepen her understanding of real estate strategy.
Scholarships and Opportunities
Beyond financial support, the CREFC Scholars gain access to exclusive resources. They are granted complimentary
CREFC Academic Membership, facilitating networking opportunities with industry professionals, mentorship programs, and invitations to attend major conferences and seminars hosted by CREFC.
Lisa Pendergast, President and CEO of CREFC, expressed her pride in this year's scholars: *"We salute this year's CREFC Scholars Program recipients and their early accomplishments in real estate finance. This program continues to attract top-notch students by offering professional development opportunities in commercial real estate capital markets."
About CREFC
The CREFC, as a prominent trade association, represents the almost
$6 trillion commercial real estate finance industry. Comprising about
400 member companies and 19,000 individuals, CREFC plays a pivotal role in advocating for legislative transparency, market efficiency, and the promotion of educational standards within the industry.
By nurturing the next generation of real estate finance professionals, CREFC and NYU's Schack Institute are contributing significantly to the future health and dynamism of the commercial real estate sector. For information about previous recipients and details on the ongoing initiatives, visit the
CREFC Scholars.