NW Valley Times

Leaders of Grand Canyon University's newly established Real Estate Club are paving the way for students interested in the real estate industry. Lauren Johnson, the club's president, was drawn to GCU by its community and Christian lifestyle. However, she noticed a lack of focus on real estate in her classes despite Phoenix being a prominent market.

Johnson explained that after discussions with Danielle Popson, an industry connection introduced by a professor, she saw the potential benefits of starting a real estate club at GCU. “I’m really excited about it. I’m really passionate about real estate and the potential it has for the growth of community and growth of our careers," she said.

The club aims to introduce students to career opportunities in both commercial and residential real estate while providing access to education and licensing. It also seeks to connect students with professionals through mentorships and networking events.

The inaugural meeting attracted many attendees, including freshman Will Grassel from San Diego, whose parents work in real estate. Grassel highlighted the importance of understanding property development as a valuable tool.

Carol Schillne from Orion Investment Real Estate spoke at the event, underscoring the relevance of such initiatives for students' future careers.

Tim Kelley, club advisor and Entrepreneurship Chair at GCU’s business college, praised Johnson's efforts in organizing weekly meetings and field trips supported by sponsors. He emphasized how these activities enhance students' understanding of business economics related to real estate.

Johnson is currently interning full-time at CBRE with aspirations in development. She expressed gratitude towards Kelley and others for supporting curriculum development around real estate topics.

The club is sponsored by Hogan School of Real Estate and Arizona School of Real Estate. It also plans to launch a mentorship portal linking students with internships and job opportunities.

“I really learned the industry from people who know it best,” Johnson remarked about her experiences so far. “And if we can facilitate that for students at GCU, I think it's a win.”