Speaker biographies/Topic summaries
Paul W. Timmreck, Virginia Commonwealth University
Greg Ewig, University of Minnesota
Nancy J. Buchanan, Virginia Commonwealth University
Gregory Ewig, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Brian J. Ohlinger, Virginia Commonwealth University
Paul P. Jez, Virginia Commonwealth University
Andy Condlin, Williams Mullen
John Mercer, Williams Mullen
Catherine W. Howard, Virginia Commonwealth University
Barbara Abernathy, Carver Area Civic Improvement League
Morton B. Gulak, Virginia Commonwealth University
Carlton G. Edwards, Virginia Commonwealth University
Jeffrey S. Lipton, University of Colorado
Brian Glass, Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates
Tim R. Rose, University of Virginia Foundation
Christina Lindholm, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Robert Gray, Robert Gray & Company
W. Randall Dunning, Legg Mason
Sara Oseasohn, Harvard University
William R. Plagge, University of Cincinnati
Charles Brownell, Virginia Commonwealth University
Robert T. Skunda, Virginia BioTechnology Research Park
Andrew McBride, University of Richmond
Paul Sehnert, University of Pennsylvania
Mary Cox, AIA, Virginia Commonwealth University
Carlos Brown, Virginia Commonwealth University
David H. Downs, Virginia Commonwealth University
Gary Eng, University of Washington
Tom LiVigne, Cornell University
Thomas J. Corbin, Middlebury College
James Benson, University of Texas System
Linda Anderson, Anderson Strickler, LLC
Steven B. Brincefield, Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield
Frederick W. Pierce, IV, San Diego State University
Paul W. Timmreck, Virginia Commonwealth University
Paul Timmreck has served the Commonwealth of Virginia in a variety of capacities for 29 years. In his current position as Senior Vice President for Finance and Administration at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), which he began on August 1, 1996, he oversees VCU’s financial, human resources, facilities, police, and administrative computing and communications services. Paul also serves as a special advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of the VCU Health System.
Prior to joining VCU, Paul served as Secretary of Finance for Governors Allen and Wilder. During his tenure as Secretary of Finance, Financial World magazine on two occasions named Virginia as the best-managed state in the nation. His tenure is also marked by service to Governors Baliles and Robb as Director of the Department of Planning and Budget. He came to Virginia in 1975 to take a staff position with the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission, where he worked for almost five years. Paul began his career in public service with a two-year stint as a Peace Corps volunteer in Maracay, Venezuela.
In addition to his responsibilities at VCU, Paul is Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Virginia Retirement System. He has served as a member of the Capitol Square Preservation Council for the Commonwealth of Virginia and the Virginia Public Buildings Board. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Greater Richmond Chamber of Commerce.
Paul received his undergraduate and MPA degrees from the University of Michigan in 1967 and 1968, respectively.
Gregory Ewig, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities
Greg is the Director of Real Estate for the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system (MnSCU), which is Minnesota's public higher education system comprised of the state's technical and community colleges and state universities. He is responsible for the oversight and real estate management of the 53-campus system, which includes over 6,700 acres and 25 million square feet. Prior to joining MnSCU, Greg was the Real Estate Transactions Manager for the University of Minnesota system for over five years, where he handled acquisitions, dispositions, easements and permitting. Greg is a licensed attorney in Minnesota and Wisconsin, and currently serves as the vice president of programming for the Association of University Real Estate Officials, a national organization of university and collegiate real estate officials and staff from across the United States and Canada.
VCU Monroe Park Campus Addition
All the pieces are falling together and the $203 million Monroe Park Campus Addition will include a new School of Business, the second phase of the School of Engineering, the VCU AdCenter, a conference center, student housing and an underground parking deck. Learn about the new residential campus for Virginia Commonwealth University including the scope of the project and the challenges of acquiring the properties and raising the money in a 19-month period.
Nancy J. Buchanan, Virginia Commonwealth University
Nancy Buchanan is the Director of Real Estate and Insurance Services at Virginia Commonwealth University. She is also an adjunct faculty member in the University’s School of Business where she teaches Advanced Real Estate Appraising. Nancy is responsible for acquiring the real estate for the University, the VCU Real Estate Foundation and the VCU School of Engineering Foundation. In addition to acquiring the real estate, Nancy oversees the leasing and risk management for the University and the Foundations. She is also responsible for overseeing the property management for the VCU Real Estate Foundation’s 36 buildings. Prior to coming to VCU, Nancy spent 20 years in the real estate appraisal profession, which included founding a real estate appraisal company. She is a graduate of the State University of New York where she received her Bachelor of Arts. The Appraisal Institute awarded her the M.A.I. designation in 1988. She currently serves as Senior Vice President on the Association of University Real Estate Official’s Board.
A native of Niagara Falls, Ontario Canada, she and her husband, Ron, a native of Honolulu, Hawaii, have an 18-year old son.
Brian J. Ohlinger, Virginia Commonwealth University
Brian Ohlinger is presently serving as Associate Vice President for Facilities Management at Virginia Commonwealth University. He leads a 300-member Facilities Management team responsible for daily maintenance and operation of the University’s 160 buildings. In addition to supervising the physical plant activities, he directs all planning, design, and construction management of a $150 million capital program. Prior to coming to VCU, he had a distinguished 28-year career in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, retiring in 1997 as a Colonel. Brian earned his Bachelor of Science from the State University of New York, and has a Master of Engineering from Boston University, and a Master of Public Administration from Troy State University. He is a Registered Professional Engineer and Certified Plant Engineer. In 1996, he was selected as one of the Top Ten Public Works Leaders of the Year by the American Public Works Association. Also, he currently serves on the State Art and Architectural Review Board.
A native of Wellsville, New York, he and wife, Inge, a native of Essen, Germany, have two married sons.
Paul P. Jez, Virginia Commonwealth University
Paul Jez is the Associate Vice President of Business Services and Treasurer at Virginia Commonwealth University. Paul has been with VCU since 1984, where he began as the Controller. He was later promoted to the Assistant Vice President for Business Services and Treasurer and took on responsibilities for many of the University’s Auxiliary Enterprises. He is now responsible for operations of Treasury and Foundation Services (banking; investments; cashiering; disbursement; collections; loan receivables; debt management; foundation accounting), Procurement and Payment (purchasing; accounts payable; contract administration), Business Services (parking and transportation; retail; dining; mail services), and Real Estate and Insurance Services (property acquisition, leasing and foundation-owned management; insurance). He is also the Treasurer for the VCU Real Estate Foundation, VCU Foundation, and the VCU School of Engineering Foundation. He also serves as the Assistant Secretary for the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park. Paul earned his Bachelor of Arts from Randolph-Macon College, a Post Baccalaureate Certificate in Accounting from VCU, and is a Certified Public Accountant. A native of Maryland, he and his wife Cindy have four sons. In his spare time, Paul enjoys golfing and family activities.
Legal Updates in Real Estate and Hot Topics in Commercial Leasing
This session will include discussions about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision on eminent domain law, Kelo v. New London. Learn how Kelo may have far-reaching impact on eminent domain law and how it could impact colleges and universities that have the power of eminent domain. The presenters will also provide their insight on recent decisions from federal, state and local courts impacting real estate and development. Part II of the presentation will also cover trends and strategies in commercial leasing related to colleges and universities (as both Tenant and Landlord).
Andy Condlin is a partner in the Land Use Group of the Real Estate Section at Williams Mullen, where he represents developers and land owners in every aspect of commercial real estate, particularly in matters relating to land use, zoning, economic development, historic preservation and local government law issues. He also assists local governments, volunteer boards and private developers in amending and drafting local zoning ordinances and comprehensive plans. Andy obtained his law degree from the College of William and Mary.
John Mercer is a partner in the Real Estate Section of Williams Mullen. His practice involves all areas of commercial real estate, and he has extensive experience in acquiring, financing and developing commercial property throughout Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region. Mr. Mercer has represented regional and national landlords and tenants in connection with the negotiation and preparation of complex office, retail, industrial and telecommunications leases on a regular basis. He also serves as outside real estate counsel for several publicly traded companies. John obtained his law degree from Vermont Law School.
Bringing All Partners to the Table: VCU and the Carver Community Partnership
Like many inner city neighborhoods, the Carver neighborhood struggled to revamp itself until city, collegiate and neighborhood association revitalization efforts helped the area achieve an upswing. Learn about the intersection between higher education’s role as a community member and VCU’s role in the redevelopment efforts with the surrounding community.
(4 presenters)
Catherine W. Howard, Virginia Commonwealth University
Dr. Howard is the Director of the Office of Community Programs and Associate Professor in the Department of Psychology. She administers the university’s service-learning program, VCU Community Solutions, the Community Service Associates Program, VCU’s AmeriCorps and America Reads programs, and VCU’s summer school and off-campus programs. She has co-chaired the Carver-VCU Partnership since its inception in 1996. She has been the primary investigator for the HUD Community Outreach Partnership Center (COPC) grant and has received grants from other sources to support the activities of this university-community partnership.
Since the Office of Community Programs serves as a primary point of contact between the university and the community, Dr. Howard is involved with local government, public schools, and many nonprofit organizations throughout the city. As a developmental psychologist, Dr. Howard’s research area has focused on risk-taking and pro-social behaviors of adolescents. She was the primary investigator of a five-year demonstration grant from the Center for Substance Abuse Prevention to establish an after-school program for middle school youth in Richmond’s public housing communities. She has been actively involved with the establishment of mentoring programs for youth and is a founding board member for the Virginia Mentoring Partnership. She is the former Chair of the Board of Directors for the Carver Promise. She also serves on the Board of Directors for the Coalition for a Greater Richmond.
Barbara Abernathy, Carver Area Civic Improvement League
Life-long resident of the Caver community, and has been President of the Carver Area Civic Improvement League for over 10 years. Ms. Abernathy has co-chaired the Carver-VCU Partnership since its inception in 1996. Through the New Directions grant she coordinates and schedules community programs in the new community space; assists with recruitment and training for the Neighborhood Network program; and provides administrative support for Partnership activities. She has served on numerous city-wide committees including the Mayor's Commission on Trees, Census 2000 Task Force, Pride in Richmond, and the Recreation and Parks Advisory Board. She is currently serving on the board of Better Housing Coalition and is a former board member of Virginia Supportive Housing. She lectures about civic work in several VCU classes, as well as, a number of local and national conferences, including Partnerships for Peaceful Communities, Richmond's Neighborhood Teams conference, HUD's 2000 Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference and Neighborhoods USA. Because of her civic dedication she has received awards in the following categories: Community Service Achieve (for participation in the Neighborhood Team Process - 1992); Volunteer of the Year Award for Community Service - Community Development (awarded by Richmond Redevelop and Housing Authority 1998) and the Virginia Housing Coalition award for Community Development in 2004.
Morton B. Gulak, Virginia Commonwealth University
Morton B. Gulak is an Associate Professor of Urban Studies and Planning in the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU. Dr. Gulak holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Penn State University, a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. He teaches courses in urban design, urban revitalization, physical planning, and the application of professional planning methods. His research interests include 1) neighborhood planning, 2) crime prevention through environmental design, and 3) the impact of commuter rail stops on community development. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association.
Carlton G. Edwards, Virginia Commonwealth University
Carlton G. Edwards attended Norfolk State College, in Virginia and St. John’s University in Louisiana and has attended training programs with the Police Executive Leadership School, University of Richmond, Commonwealth Management Institute, VCU, and the Supervisory Development Program, VCU. He has worked with the Virginia state government for over 25 years, with 18 being in law enforcement management.
Roundtable: Now What Can You Hear? Multi-User Cell Towers and Wireless
This roundtable will focus on the continuing opportunities related to the marketing and development of multi- and single user wireless antenna sites. These sites provide an excellent source of discretionary revenue for colleges and universities. However, care must be taken in structuring antenna leases and licenses that provide the highest revenue potential to our institutions, while providing the greatest flexibility for the long-term use of building and tower locations. This session will allow participants to share their experiences in negotiating with antenna users, working with antenna site marketing consultants, developing antenna use leases and licenses, and a host of other relevant issues related to this growing revenue opportunity for colleges and universities.
Jeffrey S. Lipton, University of Colorado
Jeff Lipton is the Executive Director for Facilities Management and Real Estate Services at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He is responsible for a major segment of campus operations and provides overall administration of real estate, facilities planning, capital planning, design and construction, utilities and energy conservation, and physical plant operations. His organization supports approximately ten million square feet of academic, administrative, housing, and research facilities, 220 buildings on 1,000 acres. He has received an MBA and MS-Finance degrees from the University of Colorado. Jeff is Past President of the Association of University Real Estate Officials.
How to Use a Real Estate Broker Effectively
A big real estate project comes into the office that might require professional assistance, a difficult property needs to be sold, or a property needs to be bought quietly. All of these situations offer opportunities to use the services of a real estate broker. The session will offer insight on using a real estate broker effectively, including when it’s best to use a broker and when it’s not.
Brian Glass, Grubb & Ellis/Harrison & Bates
Brian Glass is the Senior Vice President of Retail Brokerage for Grubb & Ellis. He is involved in the leasing of retail space both as a tenant and a landlord representative. His real estate background includes a firm understanding of his client’s goals, complete knowledge of local market inventory and extensive experience representing Heilig- Meyers Furniture and Morton’s of Chicago on a national basis. He has also concluded significant real estate transactions with such retailers as CEC Entertainment (Chuck E Cheese), Blockbuster Video, The Salvation Army, Goodwill Industries, Rite Aid Corporation, Lowe’s Home Centers, Tractor Supply Company (TSC), Wildbirds Unlimited, Starbucks Coffee, and Blimpie Subs, among others. In addition, Brian has represented Cigna Investments, Mony Real Estate Investment Management, Criimae Mae, and Property Development Associates (PDA) in the sale of shopping centers and free standing properties, as well as disposing of various Heilig-Meyer properties throughout the country. Brian holds a BA from New York University, majoring in History and Economics and a minor in English.
Foundation as the Real Estate Acquisition Entity
The University real estate foundation offers a mechanism for real estate acquisition that is often more nimble than the educational institution. Participants will hear about different strategies and methods for property acquisitions, including procedures for identifying prospective acquisitions, and creating a process for obtaining university approvals, financing acquisitions and negotiating purchases.
Tim R. Rose, University of Virginia Foundation
Tim Rose is Chief Executive Officer of the University of Virginia Foundation, which manages approximately 5,000 acres (valued in excess of $200 million) for the University of Virginia, including the Boar’s Head Inn and Birdwood Golf course, Morven Farms, and the Historic Renovation Corporation. In addition to these real estate projects, the Foundation provides financial management assistance to the University’s Capital Campaign and develops and manages two research parks – the Fontaine Research Park, and the University of Virginia Research Park. Mr. Rose received his undergraduate and masters degrees from Miami University and his Ph.D. from the University of Virginia.
The Offshore Campus Challenge: Setting up a Qatar Campus
In 1997, the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development (QF) invited Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts to open and operate a design school for Qatari women. VCU accepted the offer and enrolled 36 women for the 1998-99 academic year. This presentation will address the unique situations regarding the operation of a US state institution in an Arab country including: expansion requirements, maintenance and repairs, faculty housing and student housing.
Christina Lindholm, Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar
Christina Lindholm has served since 2002 as Dean of VCU Qatar. She assumed the post when Shaqab College of Design Arts (opened 1998 by VCU in partnership with the Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development) became an official branch campus of the Richmond, Virginia based VCU. A graduate of the University of Missouri, from which she received her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees, Christina Lindholm began her academic career in 1980 as an assistant professor at the University of Cincinnati. While on the faculty, she also served as curator of the historic costume collection (1983-95) and as chair of student affairs for the School of Design (1993-95). She joined Virginia Commonwealth University in 1995 as Chair of the Department of Fashion Design and Merchandising, VCU School of the Arts. Ms. Lindholm participated in the USIS Grant Faculty Exchange Program in 1997, teaching fashion design at Bulawayo Polytechnic in Zimbabwe. Since accepting the leadership of VCU Qatar, she has been an ex officio member of the Qatar Foundation – VCU Joint Advisory Board (2002 – present) and a member of the Qatar Foundation – Fitch Joint Advisory Board (2004 – present).
The (Multi) Million Dollar Question: Lease vs. Buy Analysis
One of the major questions asked of any real estate professional is whether to purchase or lease a piece of real estate. The answer to this question can have long-lasting ramifications for colleges and universities. The presentation offers a comprehensive look at analyzing the lease vs. buy question. This session provides techniques and solutions to help this art of analysis.
Robert Gray, Robert Gray & Company
Robert Gray is president of Robert Gray and Company, a real estate consultancy specializing in portfolio risk analysis and information management for large investors. He has been handling investment analysis for over 25 years, and has recently developed a new software application to streamline the integration of market and portfolio data for portfolio managers and investors. Robert was a senior advisor to Mutual of New York’s real estate division for many years, and was an investor with AEW, Inc., a pension fund advisor in Boston. He holds an MA in Urban Economics from UCLA. He is a Counselor of Real Estate and a member of Virginia Commonwealth University’s Real Estate Circle of Excellence.
Privatized Student Housing Finance
Privatized student housing is popping up around campuses all over, and the trend will likely continue. This session focuses on the privatized student housing market: where it’s going, and how to take part. Also learn about the innovative ways the private sector is addressing the needs of on or near-campus housing.
W. Randall Dunning, Legg Mason
Mr. Dunning is a Managing Director of Legg Mason, based in Richmond, Virginia. He manages the firm’s Southeast Region practice and coordinates the activities of the Higher Education Group. Mr. Dunning concentrates his efforts almost exclusively on not-for-profit clients. He has been involved in numerous financings for a variety of NFP clients including both private and public higher education, hospitals, nursing homes, continuing care retirement centers, stand-alone elderly housing, private primary and secondary education, and charitable organizations. A sample of his educational clients include, George Mason University, Mary Baldwin College, Norfolk State University, Randolph-Macon College, Randolph-Macon Woman’s College, Virginia Commonwealth University, Virginia Tech and Wake Forest University. He has served on a variety of housing issues including bonds issued by Norfolk RHA, Richmond RHA, and Roanoke RHA. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Finance, Insurance and Real Estate from the Fogelman College of Business and Economics at the University of Memphis. Mr. Dunning is a Registered General Securities Principal and Municipal Securities Principal with the NASD.
Roundtable on Retail Activities On and Near Campus
Retail segments on and near campus offer ample opportunity to reinvigorate campus neighborhoods and student unions, but need to be carefully blended to achieve the right mix of retailers to appeal to the campus environment. This roundtable session is targeted toward sharing experiences, problems, and solutions with retail developments on and near campus.
Sara Oseasohn, Harvard University
As Chief Financial Officer, Harvard Real Estate Services (HRES), Sara Oseasohn is responsible for the financial management of a property management and construction project management organization with an annual budget of over $110 million and over $50M in annual capital spending. Ms. Oseasohn has been at Harvard for over ten years, serving in a variety of Central Administration roles. She managed the re-planting of Harvard Yard in 1994, helped implement the Harvard Heroes employee recognition program, and was a member of the team that implemented the University’s new financial system in 1999. Prior to Harvard, Ms. Oseasohn worked as an architect, and then joined the corporate real estate of Digital Equipment Corporation in Maynard, MA, where she was responsible for accounting, reporting & financial control of $250M in construction in the U.S., with oversight of $250M in construction in Europe & Asia. Ms. Oseasohn received an AB from Radcliffe in 1974 and a Master of Architecture degree from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design in 1977, and she has been a registered architect in Massachusetts since 1980. She received an MBA from Simmons School of Management in 1984.
William R. Plagge, University of Cincinnati
Bill has been with the University of Cincinnati for the past three years. In his present capacity he is responsible for all University operational, endowment and community development real property transactions involving acquisitions, dispositions, leases and property management. He is the liaison between the surrounding Neighborhood Development Corporations, the City, State and Federal government. His primary responsibility has been to develop and implement policies and procedures for the University’s real estate on behalf of the Sr. V.P. of Financial Affairs. In July 2003 Administrative Memorandum 131 was enacted whereby all real property transactions shall be directed to the Office of the University Architect’s Real Estate Specialist. The implementation of Adm. Memo 131 has been evolving and has created a more efficient and cost effective real estate operation for the University of Cincinnati.
Prior to working for the University of Cincinnati, Bill was the Director of Real Estate Services for the City of Cincinnati where his career spanned a 28 year period. His responsibilities included the administration of all real estate related matters on behalf of the City of Cincinnati. Bill holds a real estate sales and appraisal license and is a graduate of Xavier University where he received his BS Degree in 1969. After graduation he spent two years in the U.S. Military.
Before Your Very Eyes: VCU and the Unburied Treasure of Historic Architecture
This session diverges a bit from the topic of real estate, but offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about our host state’s incredibly rich and historic architecture. Your presenter, an award-winning author and professor at VCU, will be our guide through a visual presentation of Richmond and Virginia architectural history.
Charles Brownell, Virginia Commonwealth University
Charles Brownell is a Professor of Art History at VCU. He has lectured and published widely on his specialties, which include Jefferson’s architecture, and 19th-century American architecture. Professor Brownell shaped the programs in architectural history and historic preservation at Virginia Commonwealth University, and is co-author of the Virginia Museum book “The Making of Virginia Architecture”, the first history of Virginia architecture, which won two national awards and two regional ones. Professor Brownell founded VCU's Annual Symposium on Architectural History, now in its 13th year. He earned a master's degree in the Winterthur [PRONOUNCED “Winter-Tour”] Program in Early American Culture, and a doctorate at Columbia.
Richmond, Virginia: The New East Coast Center for Biosciences
The 34 acre park is only one-third developed, yet already fills more than 575,000 square feet of space and employs more than 1,350 scientists, researchers, engineers and technicians in fields that include drug development, medical diagnostics, biomedical engineering, forensics and environmental analysis. Learn how the park came to fruition and learn about plans for the park’s future growth in this session.
Robert T. Skunda, Virginia BioTechnology Research Park
Robert T. Skunda has served as the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park since November 1997. In this position, he oversees the management, development, leasing and operations of the Research Park and is responsible for carrying out the policies outlined by the Boards of Directors of the Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Authority and Virginia Biotechnology Research Park Corporation. The Research Park currently has eight buildings, totaling over 575,000 square feet of research, laboratory and office space. When complete, the Park will house over 1.5 million square feet of research, office and ancillary space in 15 or more buildings, representing a total investment of over $500 million, and will be an employment center for 3,000 researchers, scientists, engineers, technicians and administrative personnel. Prior to joining the Park in this newly-created position, Mr. Skunda was Secretary of Commerce and Trade for Governor George Allen. As Secretary, he directed 15 agencies of state government and over 2,000 employees. In the four years of his leadership, an all-time record of $14 Billion in new capital investment was committed by companies locating in or expanding in Virginia. He was directly involved in recruitment of many well recognized international companies such as Siemens, IBM, Toshiba, Motorola, Gateway, Frito-Lay and Volvo Trucks. He received both his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.
Weinstein Hall: To LEED or not to LEED
Weinstein Hall, the University of Richmond’s social sciences building, is one of the most environmentally friendly buildings in the world, and when opened in 2003, was one of only 115 buildings in the world designated by the U.S. Green Building Council for its Leadership, Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification. Find out how the decision was made to pursue LEED certification, how the building operates now and, most importantly, LEED’s impact on you and real estate.
Andrew McBride, University of Richmond
Andrew McBride has been with the University of Richmond since May 1994 and became its first University Architect in 2001. Prior to joining the University, Andrew was the vice president of Gem Construction. He is a registered architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Association of University Architects. His education includes a Master of Science degree in Business from Virginia Commonwealth University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Iowa State University. He served on the board of directors for Freedom House and was a Cub Master for Pack 461, both for five years. Andrew currently serves on the board for the James River Green Building Council and serves as its treasurer and is a member of the VCU Architectural Review Board.
Roundtable on Creatively Financing Real Estate
With the real estate market receiving significant capital attention as other investments struggle to return a decent yield, now is the time for the colleges and universities to explore projects that can utilize private capital. The session will offer an opportunity to discuss creative financing mechanisms, and the financial, political and systemic planning required for successful projects
Paul Sehnert, University of Pennsylvania
Mr. Sehnert is the Director of Real Estate Development in the Facilities and Real Estate Services Division for the University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Sehnert manages the development and acquisition processes for a portfolio of real estate assets controlled by the University. Working closely with Penn’s senior management team, Mr. Sehnert’s role is the coordination of the University’s partnering with real estate developers and investors to implement the real estate strategic plan. Current projects include the acquisition and redevelopment of the 24 acre USPS property, the planned 300 unit mixed-use development at 34th and Chestnut, the $16 M development of the WXPN radio station and performance venue for World Café live, the development of a $75.1 M Biotech Lab for the School of Medicine (SOM), acquisition of strategic properties and development of 1000 beds for Students in mixed use and housing developments throughout the Campus and neighborhood. Mr. Sehnert received a Master of Science in Real Estate Development from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the College of Architecture at the University of Cincinnati, and is a nationally accredited Architect.
VCU Bus Tour
Mary Cox, AIA, Virginia Commonwealth University
Mary Cox has served as the University Architect for Virginia Commonwealth University since 1992 and has been an integral part of the university’s phenomenal growth during the pat 11 years. Her role is not only to oversee the work of design architects and engineers, but also to build consensus among university project participants and to give shape and form to their programmatic needs resulting in a beautiful and cohesive campus.
A graduate of Virginia Tech, Mary’s career has spanned 2 decades and has included time in private practice working for interior design, architectural, and construction firms, and acting as a state review architect. Mary has been actively involved in the American Institute of Architects, serving as state president in 2002, and is a member of the Association of University Architects. She lives and works in Richmond, Virginia and enjoys playing golf, painting watercolors and working to end homelessness in the greater Richmond area.
Carlos Brown, Virginia Commonwealth University
Carlos Brown is the Director of Planning and Development for the VCU Health System, a department with the Support Services and Planning division under the direction of Darrell Johnson, Vice President of Administration and Support Services. In May 2002, Carlos completed his M.S. degree in Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University. Carlos also attended VCU for his undergraduate education and graduated in May 1991 with a B.S. in Health Care Management with a concentration in Long-term Care. Since beginning employment at the VCU Health System in October 1991, he has held several positions in the Division of Nursing, Department of Ambulatory Care and his current position in Support Services. Carlos is currently a member of the VCU Staff senate where he chairs its VCUHS Policies and Issues sub-committee and also sits on the Senate’s Executive Committee. He has been a part of the Staff Senate for the past five years. Carlos is a former chairperson of the VCUHS Reward and Recognition committee and a past Employee of the Month. In his free time, Carlos enjoys quiet evenings at home, reading, and spending time with friends playing cards.
Benchmarking a Collegiate Real Estate Office
Benchmarking of corporate real estate performance is an essential tool in the efficient management of assets to support the core business, and higher education real estate offers substantial similarities to corporate real estate. Borrowing from the corporate realm, this presentation will outline how benchmarking can be applied in the higher education institution, including what standard metrics should be established within the context of higher education.
David H. Downs, Virginia Commonwealth University
David H. Downs, (Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) holds the Alfred L. Blake Chair of Real Estate at VCU. His research interests include real estate finance and investment, institutional real estate and the implications of real estate regulation. Among his publications are studies that look at the NCREIF (National Council of Real Estate Investment Fiduciaries) data and its role in benchmarking. Dr. Downs’ articles appear in various scholarly journals and he serves on the editorial boards of Real Estate Economics and the Journal of Real Estate Research. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Downs served as an officer in the U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Program and as a consultant with Booz Allen & Hamilton.
How to on Real Estate Gifts
This session will provide a primer on evaluating gifts of real estate, including the due diligence required, the diplomacy of declining a real estate gift (where appropriate) and the management and disposal of even the most challenging real estate gifts.
(3 presenters)
Gary Eng, University of Washington
Gary has served as the Senior Asset Manager at the University of Washington for about 13 years, managing a broad spectrum of real estate, including the former Sand Point Naval Station, warehouse, branch campuses, and has had success in selling university properties on e-bay. Gary holds the Real Property Administrator certification (RPA) from the Building Owners and Managers Association, and is a graduate of Washington State University with a B.S. in Construction Management.
Tom LiVigne, Cornell University
Tom LiVigne has served as Manager of Real Estate Operations for Cornell University since 1987. In this position, he is responsible for real estate acquisitions, dispositions, leasing and property management. He is a past-president of the Association of University Real Estate Officials. Prior to assuming his present position at Cornell, Tom was an athletic trainer, a part-time football coach and physical education instructor at Cornell University. In addition, he was active in the fitness industry as a developer and co-owner of Courtside Racquet and Fitness Club in Ithaca, N. Y.
Thomas J. Corbin, Middlebury College
Middlebury’s Assistant Treasurer and Director of Business Service, Tom currently oversees the college's golf course, ski operation, reprographics, mailing services, bookstore, dining services, environmental health and safety and the college's forester. He is directly responsible for all real estate transactions to include gift properties, commercial real estate rentals and housing rentals.
The Upside of High Gas Prices: Roundtable on Oil and Gas Issues
With the rise in price of oil and other natural resources, the roundtable focuses on answering questions about managing and benefiting from these appreciating assets: oil and gas interests. The moderator is well seasoned in oil and gas issues. Come prepared with your questions, share your insight or listen in on a good discussion topic.
James Benson, University of Texas System
Jim began his career at University Lands in 1986 as a Geologist, was promoted to Supervising Geologist in 1990, became Manager of Surface Interests in 1994, and now serves as the Assistant Director of Surface and Mineral Interests. Jim attended Angelo State University, where he received a B. S. in Biology in 1976. Jim also received a B.S. in Geology in 1980 from the University of Texas Permian Basin. Jim is a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologist; International Right of Way Association; Permian Basin Landman Association; International Right of Way Association; and the Society of Range Management. Jim is married to Cynthia Benson who is the Executive Director, United Way of Midland. He has two children – Tiffany who is employed with MISD and Brandon who is a third year Law student at Southern Methodist University.
A Faculty Housing Primer: Developing the Faculty Village and Retention Too
Faculty housing is an enormously attractive benefit, but most institutions are often hard-pressed to offer it. The presentation is intended to give participants an overview of faculty housing programs from financial assistance to full housing development programs. The presentation will also touch upon the preliminary analysis necessary, including housing cost impact, legal and regulatory environment analysis and market research, and alternative financing strategies.
Linda Anderson is a Principal of Anderson Strickler, LLC, a university housing consulting firm. ASL has conducted 230 housing studies for 150 clients since its founding in 1998. While the majority of these studies have been for student housing, ASL’s principals have completed or are working on faculty/staff assignments for a number of institutions, including the University of California Irvine, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, Princeton University, University of California Davis, and Virginia Commonwealth University. Ms. Anderson’s specialty is to guide the market analysis portion of ASL’s assignments, which include focus groups, off-campus market analyses, peer institution analyses, and survey analysis. She speaks on student housing issues for numerous associations including NACAS, ACUHO, APPA, AUREO, SCUP, SEAHO, NASPA, and ACAP. Ms. Anderson has a BA degree from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Georgetown University
The Mundane to the Massive: Property Management Issues
Collegiate and university property management offers unique challenges and requires some different techniques than typical private property management. Lab space, controversial occupants, retail tenants that bring a crush of business. This session will offer tips to help effectively manage everything from the mundane issues to the massive tenants.
Steven B. Brincefield, Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield
Steve Brincefield is Senior Vice President and Principal of Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefied. He is in charge of all property management services for the firm. Thalhimer/Cushman & Wakefield manages over 15 million square feet of commercial and residential properties throughout the state of Virginia, including over 5000 apartment units and single-family homes. Steve is a graduate of Virginia Tech and received his Masters Degree from Virginia Commonwealth University.
Golf Course Development
Tiger Woods offers your school a substantial gift, asks your university to build a golf course and name it after him. Although the Tiger Woods scenario is highly unlikely, circumstances still create opportunities where golf courses are a desired addition to a college or university. This session offers advice on where to begin after Tiger drops off that check.
Frederick W. Pierce, IV, San Diego State University
Fred Pierce is Redevelopment Project Director for the College Community Redevelopment Project, where he oversees day-to-day management of this 131-acre, $800 million redevelopment project for the San Diego State University Foundation. Completed or active components of the project include Piedra del Sol Student Apartments (66 units), Fraternity Row (8 chapter houses and 62 units), Sorority Row (5 chapter houses and 65 units), Aztec Inn (74-room hotel), Alvarado Research Park (630,000 sf), The Paseo (250,000 sf retail, 100,000 sf office and 470 residential units) and a master planned development of campus-serving religious centers. From 1999 to 2004, Fred served as a Trustee on the California State University Board of Trustees, the governing board that oversees the 23-campus, 440,000-student CSU System. Fred earned his Bachelor’s Degree Cum Laude in Finance at SDSU and also completed his graduate work in the MBA Program at SDSU.
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Association of University Real Estate Officials Hosted by Virginia Commonwealth University Real Estate and Insurance Services 2005 AUREO Conference Contact us Updated: 09/08/2005 |