EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Executives from the commercial real estate industry—many of them Morehouse College alumni— gathered with friends and colleagues at MetLife Stadium for the third consecutive year to raise funds for the Morehouse Real Estate Institute (MREI), an academic initiative launching this fall. The fundraiser took place during the HBCU NY Classic, where Morehouse faced off against Howard University in a celebration of Black excellence, tradition, and leadership.
This year’s event brought the group’s total fundraising to approximately $75,000 since the inaugural gathering in 2022. These contributions, alongside anchor investments from Prologis and Dominium, will help endow the Institute and support its mission to prepare Morehouse students for leadership in commercial real estate—with a focus on equity, innovation, and community-building.
A New Chapter for Real Estate Education
MREI is positioned to become one of the nation’s premier undergraduate-focused real estate programs. Its vision: to shape a new generation of industry leaders who reflect the diversity of our communities and redefine excellence in real estate.
The Institute offers a forward-looking curriculum, immersive community engagement, and direct access to industry professionals and opportunities. MREI is currently seeking a visionary Executive Director to lead its next chapter.
Alumni Leadership and Industry Impact
The fundraiser is hosted annually by a distinguished group of Morehouse alumni and industry leaders:
- Will Blodgett, CEO and Founder of Tredway, a mission-driven real estate firm focused on preserving and creating affordable housing.
- John Gilmore, Senior Managing Director at Walker & Dunlop, a leader in real estate finance and development.
- Sharif Mitchell, CEO and Co-Founder of Northern Liberties, a real estate investment firm focused on acquiring and modernizing affordable workforce housing.
- Verdun “Vern” Perry, Senior Managing Director at Blackstone Strategic Partners and a Morehouse Trustee.
“MREI is a necessary step to develop the next generation of leaders within the real estate community,” said Gilmore. “To do that, we as alumni are called to reinvest time, influence, and money back into the college to advance its mission. I am extremely humbled to co-host a fundraising event with a fellow Morehouse classmate and like-minded colleagues.”
“These events go beyond raising funds. At its core, they’re about giving back to the institution that shaped each of us,” added Mitchell. “Supporting MREI is an investment in the future of inclusive leadership in commercial real estate.”
To support MREI and its mission, visit here.
About Northern Liberties
Northern Liberties is a real estate investment firm focused on the acquisition and management of workforce housing. By providing strategic capital improvements, hands-on asset management and community-centered resident services, the firm seeks to deliver market rate returns and meaningful social impact. Headquartered in Brooklyn, New York, Northern Liberties is a minority-owned and operated venture, the principals of which have completed nearly $500 million in investments.
Contacts
Deborah Linton
[email protected]
(630) 269-5680
