Giving: Opus Foundation Grant Helps Develop Future CRE Professionals at University of St. Thomas

Over the last five years, the Opus Foundation has provided a grant to support scholarships, curriculum experiences, industry engagement and a faculty position with the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business Real Estate program, making a lasting impact on students entering the field.

Since 2021, the $1.5 million grant has supported nine students by providing them with an accessible education-to-career pathway through a customized scholars cohort pilot program.

The program is designed to guide a new generation of industry leaders with financial assistance and direct program development through tutoring and various mentoring and networking opportunities. The addition of the wrap around program support provides hands-on experiences in the workforce, fosters community building and provides opportunities for future leaders to thrive.

“Thanks to the Opus Foundation, we have nine students in our program and one graduate who is now working in residential development,” said Andrew Babula, Director of the Real Estate Program at the University of St. Thomas Opus College of Business. “The students are making the most of their Real Estate Scholarship. They meet regularly with industry professionals for mentoring and to learn about different career paths. I have no doubt that these students will make a difference wherever they land. The impact these scholarships will have on the students, their families, and their communities is priceless.”

In addition to the scholars program, the grant supports Real Estate Interest & Readiness efforts through the Dougherty Family College, which builds awareness and offers industry and mentorship events in addition to transition support to give DFC graduates better access to the Real Estate degree program and careers in real estate.

“I am truly grateful for the opportunity, support and mentorship available for scholars to learn more about real estate and this scholarship has made such an important contribution to my education and motivation as a Black woman to work in the industry,” said Priscile Miteo, a University of St. Thomas class of 2026 student. “All the activities organized by Professor Andy Babula have been very informative and a good way to get a glimpse of what working in real estate may entail, and for that, I am very thankful."

Integrating real-world expertise with a strong classroom curriculum, the pilot program is proving valuable for both the students involved and the commercial real estate industry as a whole.

“As commercial real estate typically prefers a bachelor’s degree as opposed to residential real estate with a two-year program, there’s a greater barrier to enter the field,” said Kristin Ridley, Executive Director of the Opus Foundation. “Opus has a long history with the University of St. Thomas, including our founder, Gerry Rauenhorst, who helped establish a real estate program at the school, so we take pride in helping cultivate a pipeline of qualified, diverse professionals across various functions of the industry.”

“Through the program, I’ve had the honor of meeting with St. Thomas students one-on-one to share industry insights and best practices,” said Nick Murnane, Vice President & General Manager for Opus. “Our work with the university is a testament to our commitment to the future of our industry and works to apply our real-world experience for the education of the next generation.”