The Schulich Real Property Alumni Association Leadership Awards: A Culture of Engagement and Commitment to Change
In 2020, the Schulich Real Property Alumni Association (SRPAA) recognized an urgent need to take meaningful action in response to the systemic inequities faced by Black and Indigenous communities. The tragic events of that year, including the murder of George Floyd, underscored the importance of championing diversity, equity, and inclusion within our professional and academic spheres. Led by former Executive in Residence Andre Kuzmicki, and with the support of the Schulich School of Business, including collaboration with the Dean’s Office and the Office of Advancement, the SRPAA established the Leadership Awards to provide financial support, mentorship, and professional opportunities to undergraduate students from these underrepresented communities. We have raised $350,000 toward this initiative, a testament to the deep commitment of our alumni and industry partners.
Christian Petersen (MBA ’13), Chair of the SRPAA Executive Council, reflects on what continues to motivate this effort: “Our real estate & infrastructure alumni community has long been defined by a culture of engagement—one that values connection, mentorship, and creating opportunities for growth. The Leadership Awards are a natural extension of these values, ensuring that talented students from diverse backgrounds have the resources and support needed to excel.”
What makes this initiative particularly impactful is its focus on undergraduate students. While many SRPAA members completed graduate studies at Schulich, we recognized that true change begins earlier in the pipeline, supporting high school students who may not otherwise have access to a Schulich education. By providing scholarships and mentorship opportunities, we aim to foster an inclusive environment where students can thrive and pursue careers in real estate and infrastructure.
For students beginning their Schulich journey, Abdel Ali (MBA ’21, Cabinet member) offers this advice: “Your education is just one piece of the puzzle—what will set you apart is how you engage with your community, seek out mentorship, and take ownership of your career path. The real estate & infrastructure industry is built on relationships, and those who embrace a mindset of lifelong learning and connection will find themselves in a position to lead.”
Beyond the financial benefit, the Leadership Awards are designed to have a lasting impact on recipients, equipping them with not just resources but also professional relationships and career-building experiences. Gary Whitelaw (Executive-in-Residence at the Brookfield Centre) shares his perspective: “This award is more than recognition — it is an invitation to be part of a network that values mentorship, collaboration, and shared success. We hope that recipients, past and present, walk away with the confidence to carve out their own paths and the desire to pay it forward.”
As the recent recipient of the SRPAA Leadership Award for Black Communities, Eden Johannes (BBA ’28) is grateful for the guidance and support from the real estate & infrastructure alumni community. “This award has made a significant impact on my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies without the burden of financial stress.”
As Katie Hamilton-Andrade (BBA ’28) pursues her BBA, receiving the SRPAA Leadership Award for Indigenous Communities has made a difference. “Being a recipient of this award allows me to be one step closer to achieving my goal. I cannot stress how much this is helping me and my family.”
As Canada recently celebrated Black History Month with the theme ‘Black Legacy and Leadership: Celebrating Canadian History and Uplifting Future Generations,’ it is important to reflect on what we are building together. The Leadership Awards are not just about addressing historical inequities but about actively shaping a more inclusive and diverse future in business and real estate. As Andre Kuzmicki (Former Executive in Residence, Brookfield Centre & Founding Director MREI), Michael Lewis (MBA ’09, co-chair), and Anthony Ottavino (MBA ’11, iBBA ’07, co-chair), have discussed, this initiative is a demonstration of what happens when a community comes together with a shared purpose: to foster opportunity, create change, and leave a legacy of leadership for generations to come.
The Leadership Awards were made possible by the unwavering support of our Campaign Cabinet, composed of accomplished alumni and SRPAA members, as well as the generosity of corporate partners and individual donors who believed in this vision. Looking ahead, we remain committed to deepening our engagement, expanding mentorship and internship opportunities, and continuing to support Black and Indigenous students in their educational and professional journeys.
As we celebrate this milestone, we invite others to join us in shaping a future where opportunities are accessible to all and where leadership is defined not by where you come from, but by the impact you make.
