ASU’s Sigma Nu fraternity shows investment in its members by hosting all-alumni real estate panel

Many people may think fraternities only serve as a means for students to have fun and party in their college years. However, Arizona State University’s Zeta Upsilon Chapter of Sigma Nu is proving that the connections and platform of a fraternity can be used to prepare young men for their professional future.

On Oct. 20, Sigma Nu did just that by hosting a real estate panel in Tempe where numerous ASU alumni and experts in the field gave students an inside look at a potential career field. The panelists shared stories about what has and hasn’t worked in their careers, answered pressing questions of students and networked with Sigma Nu members  to establish worthwhile connections.

Dominic Frattura, Alumni Chapter Commander of Sigma Nu and the moderator of this event, emphasized how important fostering growth in its members is for the fraternity.

“Sigma Nu’s core mission focuses on building ethical leaders, and this panel reflects that commitment,” Frattura said. “It’s not just about career growth, but also supporting each other as brothers and alumni in our respective journeys.”

The panel consisted of the following specialists, who are all ASU alumni:

• Will Strong, Executive Vice Chair at Cushman & Wakefield
• Douglas Tymins, President & CEO at Corebridge Real Estate Investors
• Jason Allen, Principal/Founder of Skyline Consultants, Inc.
• Pat Harlan, Senior Managing Director at JLL
• Casey Hancock, Director at Houlihan Lokey
• Jeff Alba, Senior Vice President at Diversified Partners
• Mike Kasulaitis, Vice President & Shareholder at Kidder Mathews
• Ken Gatt, Owner Principal at Gatt Real Estate Advisors
• Spencer Nast, Vice President, Advisory & Transaction Services at CBRE
• Gabe Ortega, Senior Vice President at Capital Asset Management
• Kalen Rickard, Senior Vice President at Western Retail Advisors
• Brad Grannis, Director of University Realty at ASU
• Grant Kingdon, Principal at Creation RE + PE
• Mike Gilbert, Director-Southwest Region at Formation Interests

The alumni spanned generations, from the 1970s to the 2010s, giving students diverse perspectives from multiple lived experiences in real estate. They shared their insights on many relevant topics, including market trends, the emergence of new technology and networking strategies in an evolving market. They also illuminated different lessons learned in their careers, whether it came to making deals, managing relationships or combatting economic challenges.

Brandon Ngo, a junior with a minor in real estate, said it was interesting to learn how many of the panelists had worked with each other on previous deals, giving Sigma Nu members an in-depth look at the nuances of real estate negotiations.

“What I found most interesting was that many of the guests had worked with each other on several deals, highlighting the importance of relationships and networking in this profession,” Ngo said. “We are extremely blessed to have such a great group of successful alumni who were willing to help our collegiate members grow academically and professionally.”

The panel ended with a networking opportunity, letting students get the chance to establish a mentor-student relationship for the future. Sigma Nu plans to host more events like these so its members can continue to further their education.

Sigma Nu boasts multiple notable alumni, including former mayor of Tempe Neil Giuloano, Hall of Fame sports broadcaster Al Michaels and Arizona Diamondbacks CEO Derrick Hall. The fraternity hopes their investment in professional development will continue to produce high-level talent who can make a difference in the world. According to the fraternity’s website, it has accumulated 348,188 hours of community service, has hosted more than 1,050 educational workshops and has raised over $1.56 million for charities.

Jake Crosby, Sigma Nu’s current Commander and attendee of the panel, noted how important Sigma Nu’s efforts are for aspiring young men going into the professional world of real estate.

“Events like these strengthen our bonds within Sigma Nu and provide our members with tangible insights that go beyond the classroom,” Crosby said.