The USC Trojan Real Estate Association was very pleased to host the first Annual Undergraduate Case Competition on April 6 and 7th. Student teams from Wharton, Wisconsin, University of Texas Austin, University of Colorado and USC all took part in the event. Students were given three days to prepare a feasibility analysis for an investment fund that evaluated the repositioning of a dated property containing existing structures and vacant land. The case challenged the teams to consider strategy, finance, market forces and site planning. First place honors went to The University of Texas, Austin, University of Wisconsin, Madison was second, and the University of Colorado, Boulder was third. Generous sponsorship was provided by Wells Fargo Bank’s Mike Marino and Scott Bottles who also played an active role in developing the case and in the judging the competition. Additional judges included Gary Tenzer with George Smith Partners, Don Spivack with the Los Angeles Community Redevelopment Agency, Michael Schlesinger with Mani Brothers, James Osterling owner of Bridge Residential Advisors, Todd Pennington with Bovis Lend-Lease, and Jack Hileman with Hileman Company. Kicking off the program with keynote remarks was Rick Caruso, President of Caruso Affiliated Holdings who also hosted a tour of The Grove for the students.
