The Annual CU Real Estate Forum: Helping Shape Careers in Commercial Real Estate
Attendance at the Annual CU Real Estate Forum helps students unlock networking opportunities and gain important industry knowledge and connections.

For senior real estate major Jonah Duran (left), attending the 28th Annual CU Real Estate Forum this March 鈥減rovided ample networking opportunities between classmates and industry professionals.鈥 That momentum is invaluable as he prepares to launch his career as a broker for Unique Properties in Denver, focusing on industrial, retail, and office investment sales and leasing.
鈥淚鈥檓 excited about a career in commercial real estate brokerage because it combines relationship building, market expertise and deal-making in a dynamic, results-driven environment,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he ability to directly impact businesses and investors while navigating complex transactions is both challenging and rewarding.鈥
The forum as a catalyst for career growth
鈥淲e emphasize that students should engage early and often in experiential education opportunities,鈥 said Erin Penberthy, a Leeds career coach for real estate. Career treks, internships, student organizations, and events like the Real Estate Forum provide valuable networking and learning opportunities, she said.
鈥淣etworking is key to the job and internship process, and students who invest in it and research companies before applying tend to have positive career outcomes,鈥 she said. 鈥淭he Real Estate Forum gives students a fantastic opportunity to not only hear about current industry trends but also meet future employers.鈥
A premier industry event
鈥淭his year鈥檚 forum took the event to another level,鈥 said Julie Gibson, Sherman R. Miller Executive Director of the real estate center. The event attracted 鈥渢op national and local speakers, educating students, alumni and employers around top issues in the real estate industry.鈥
Among the 300 attendees, 72 were students eager to network and learn from industry leaders, including Willy Walker, CEO and chair of Walker & Dunlop, and Michael Klump, whose 2024 gift established the newly named Michael A. Klump Center for Real Estate.
Key takeaways from industry leaders
Duran echoed forum presenters鈥 insights about Denver鈥檚 growing market, seeing his role as having a prime opportunity to add value. Understanding emerging trends, such as water issues and AI in real estate, was another major draw.
He particularly valued Walker's keynote. As an executive who grew Walker & Dunlop from 46 employees in 2003 to a public company with more than 1,400 employees and recognized as a best place to work over consecutive years, Walker shared key career lessons.
鈥淗is inspiring success story and well-spoken nature made listening to his conversation a treat,鈥 said Duran. 鈥淗aving a good mentor, working hard and trying different things were the main themes he spoke about, all of which I plan on implementing in my career.鈥

Leeds senior and real estate major Kourtney Stetler (left) agreed. 鈥淭he Willy Walker presentation was incredibly insightful, especially as a soon-to-be graduate. He shared how, after finishing school, he had the choice between accepting a full-time job or traveling to Paraguay to work with a family friend. Taking a leap of faith, he chose to travel, learn a new language, and gain a broader perspective鈥攁n experience that shaped his future career.鈥
Walker also highlighted the highs and lows of commercial real estate. 鈥淭here are real estate developers in here that have taken massive risks,鈥 he said, encouraging the audience to accept that as part of the process. He discussed his own experience with layoffs and falling stock prices, citing them as competitive pressures that inspire him to drive new goals.听
His advice to students: 鈥淐reate a career that doesn鈥檛 feel like work.鈥
The importance of mentors and internships
Michael Klump, who spoke about his career and generous gift to the center, also emphasized taking risks鈥攐ne being time and knowing how to protect it. His early passion for real estate led to his success in acquiring and developing shopping centers. He emphasized the value of internships and mentorships.
Professional Mentors at Leeds
In 2024, the Leeds Professional Mentorship Program for juniors and seniors experienced record growth, with 773 students taking advantage of the program鈥攁 32 percent jump鈥攁nd a total of 867 mentors. Learn more about the program and the impact of mentors.
Internships played a significant role for Duran. 鈥淚 interned at Northmarq on the Portfolio and Asset Management team and at Denver Angel Investments in investment due diligence, both of which helped me develop financial analysis skills and gain exposure to real estate and investment transactions.鈥 He also cited the CU Real Estate Case Competition as a key learning experience.
鈥淐ollaborating with my team to build an acquisition model and presenting to industry professionals strengthened my analytical and communication skills, ultimately guiding me toward a career in real estate brokerage.鈥
Stetler has found mentorship equally valuable. 鈥淏eing matched with someone who aligns with my interests has been incredibly helpful. My mentor has introduced me to real estate professionals for informational interviews,鈥 she said. 鈥淚 appreciate the strong relationships I have built with professors, mentors and career coaches, as I believe these connections will be instrumental in my career development.鈥
The rise of tech in real estate

The event also showcased two industry panels: 鈥淭he Ripple Effect: Navigating Water Scarcity in Colorado鈥檚 Growing Communities,鈥 moderated by Luke Runyon of The Water Desk, and 鈥淩eal Estate Meets AI: Evaluating the Credibility of AI in Commercial Real Estate,鈥 moderated by Calandra Cruikshank of Statebook International.
Leeds junior Yashwant Chapagain (left) found the discussions enlightening. 鈥淚 learned so many things. The AI in Real Estate presentation was especially fascinating. I was relieved to hear panelists say they don鈥檛 believe AI will replace people and that this is an exciting time for the industry. One panelist noted that career trajectories are going to change vastly, which I also found interesting.鈥
Looking ahead: A bright future in real estate
鈥淭he center鈥檚 introductions to industry professionals made it easier to connect and increased my confidence,鈥 said Chapagain. 鈥淭he center has been supportive in giving us all the resources we need to be successful.鈥
As Duran looks ahead, he鈥檚 鈥渆ager to develop deep local knowledge, negotiate creative solutions and drive successful outcomes for clients.鈥
鈥淥n the horizon for the center is to keep serving students well, growing programs, attracting talent and creating a strategic plan to increase experiential and applied learning,鈥 said Gibson.
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Sponsors of the 2025 CU Real Estate Forum
Leeds extends its gratitude to sponsoring presenter Kirkpatrick Bank and the following sponsors (in alphabetical order) who helped make the forum possible.
- ARES Industrial Management
- Brownstein
- Centennial Realty Advisors
- CBRE
- Colorado Real Estate Journal
- Conscience Bay Company
- East West Partners
- Goldberg Properties Inc.
- Hampton Yards
- Holland & Hart
- Lincoln
- Nichols Partnership
- Oakwood Real Estate Partners
- Pennrose
- Pless Law Firm
- Trailbreak Partners
- The W.W. Reynolds Companies