From Case Study to Career Path: 7th Annual Real Estate Competition & Networking Event
The Dyer Center recently hosted the 7th Annual Real Estate Case Competition & Networking Event, a dynamic evening that successfully bridged academic theory with the reality of the industry. The event brought together a distinguished array of alumni industry experts and a talented pool of real estate-enthused students, highlighting the interdisciplinary nature of Lafayette’s approach to the field.
The evening kicked off with a compelling keynote address from Thomas Schlegel ’04, Esq., of Fitzpatrick, Lentz & Bubba. Schlegel captivated the audience by tracing his journey from his liberal arts education at Lafayette to his success as a prominent real estate lawyer, underscoring how his interdisciplinary coursework provided the critical thinking and communication skills essential for navigating complex real estate law and transactions.
Tackling a Real-World Challenge
The centerpiece of the evening was the student competition itself. Following the keynote, judges circulated among three student teams for an interactive poster session. These groups, advised by Emeritus Professor Rexford Ahene, had been given a complex case study: a proposed 274-unit multi-family apartment development in downtown Easton.
This challenge is a hallmark of the Dyer Center’s real estate programming, which is often tied to the INDS 292: Real Estate Investment Decision Analysis Seminar course. Students were tasked with conducting a full feasibility analysis, requiring them to synthesize economics, urban planning, finance, and legal understanding. Their presentations needed to determine the viability of the project by assessing if it was physically and legally permissible, if it would be economically profitable, and if it was financially feasible to secure funding. The intensity of this analysis is a clear differentiator of the Dyer Center’s experiential learning model.
The Podium and The Professional Connection
After the poster presentations and rigorous questioning, the judges announced the winners. Pard Capital Advisors, composed of Henry Skatoff, Drew Fenton, John Janeski, Alex Darrah, Eric Axtman, and Carson Belaire, took the top prize. They were followed by RHO Properties in second place and Landmark Real Estate in third.
Professor Ahene praised the competitors, noting, “The students were well-prepared and did a fantastic job.” He then emphasized the event’s core value: the professional engagement. “Knowing how precious time is for our alum guests, I am immensely grateful that they took time out of their busy schedules to share their knowledge throughout the evening to elevate the level of preparation even further for the students.”
The competition is more than just a contest; it’s an immersive networking experience that directly connects emerging talent with the professionals who shape the industry.