By Daniel Coats ’15, ’18
For real estate-focused students of Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics, the annual ICSC RECon conference in Las Vegas is a premier opportunity for networking, industry education, and career preparation.
The two- to three-day gathering each May sponsored by the International Council of Shopping Centers is purported to be the largest such event in the world, bringing together nearly 40,000 real estate professionals and students.
For years, business Titans have been active at the event, even hosting a booth for the first time in 2019, demonstrating the value of a CSUF real estate education to employers and the real estate industry. Today, Cal State Fullerton is a university alliance partner.
When the conference is held again next May, Cal State Fullerton students won’t have to fret the cost of gas or a flight when making the 256-mile trek.
In a generous move to support aspiring real estate professionals, Steve Haddadin ’18, former Real Estate Association president and current board member of the Center for Real Estate, has established the Steve Haddadin Student Travel Endowment Fund to enable real estate-focused students to attend the annual conference by covering their gas, electric charges or airfare costs on the 256-mile journey. Through this initiative, Haddadin aims to provide opportunities for students to network, learn, and gain valuable insights into the real estate industry.
Students interested in taking advantage of this opportunity are required to become members of the Real Estate Association and submit their resumes along with a brief paragraph explaining their desire to attend the conference to the Center for Real Estate.
“As a student, putting this trip together was a challenge,” reminisces Haddadin. “Initially, the idea of going to Las Vegas for the conference wasn’t well-received. However, after the first delegation attended in 2018, under my role as president of the Real Estate Association, the immense value that students gained from the conference became evident. Consequently, the trip became an annual tradition, and the Center for Real Estate officially participated in the conference in 2019. Additionally, the ICSC has listed Cal State Fullerton as a university alliance partner. With this fund, I am delighted to ensure the continuity of this trip and to support future generations of my alma mater. I understand their hunger for success, and I am here to help and motivate them along their journey.”
Over the years, Haddadin has been a driving force behind the growth of the real estate program at the College of Business. As a student, he was asked to become president of the Real Estate Association when the club had only four members. Under his leadership, the association grew to more than 30 members. This led the Center for Real Estate to pursue recruiting Haddadin to join as a board member.
Haddadin played a pivotal role in renaming the Real Estate and Land Use Institute to the Center for Real Estate. He introduced two new courses, Real Estate Practice and Real Estate Principles, that led to an articulation agreement with the California Department of Real Estate, providing students with a valuable pathway in the industry.
Additionally, Haddadin established the CCIM Institute alliance partnership, enabling students to fast-track their CCIM designation, a highly coveted certification in the real estate industry. Haddadin is also spearheading the newly established marketing committee, further elevating the profile of the Center for Real Estate. His current role on the board is to ensure the program is in compliance with the state regulator and industry partners.
The impact of Haddadin’s efforts is evident in the lives of numerous students who have benefitted from his mentorship and initiatives. As a source of inspiration, he embodies the qualities of a true leader who strives to create opportunities for others and fosters a culture of giving back.
Through the student travel fund, Haddadin is not only nurturing the future of real estate but also empowering students to become leaders in their respective fields. As they embark on this transformative journey to Las Vegas, they will have the chance to forge meaningful connections, gain valuable knowledge, and sow the seeds for a promising future.
If you are interested in supporting the Steve Haddadin Travel Fund as an alumnus or business professional or if you are a student seeking more information on getting involved in real estate education activities such as the ICSC RECon, reach out to realestate@fullerton.edu.