The Winchester Institute for Real Estate Development celebrated the tremendous growth occurring in Auburn University’s real estate programming and educational initiatives on May 8 at a gala and awards ceremony. The event featured one of the biggest names in the commercial real estate industry.

“This gala was created to celebrate Auburn University’s continuing momentum in real estate education and the development of new programming,” said Justin Benefield, faculty director of the Master of Real Estate Development program. “It’s a way to recognize the outstanding contributions of our students, faculty, and industry partners who are driving this incredible progress. Together, we’re shaping the future of real estate in Alabama, the region, and the nation.”

Highly influential real estate expert Spencer Levy, global client strategist and senior economic advisor at CBRE, the world’s largest commercial real estate services firm, shared his insights on key issues facing the industry. Levy, frequently quoted in major business media outlets and a regular guest on CNBC and Bloomberg, captivated attendees with his analysis and predictions. 

In typical Spencer Levy fashion, he prognosticated about interest rates and tariffs using a patented blend of insight, analysis, and humor. Mixing a chart on regional in-migration with a picture of Jerome Powell and a side story about Bob Dylan’s songwriting journey, Levy delivered a memorable and enjoyable talk on how to weather uncertainty in any industry. True to his real estate roots, he also made the case to the fresh graduates in the room that real estate is the best place to weather such uncertainty.

The event also recognized the students, faculty, and industry partners who are helping implement the real estate renaissance underway at Auburn. Central to this progress is the Master of Real Estate Development Program, a joint effort supported by the Harbert College of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction. This collaboration brings together expertise from both business and design disciplines, creating a well-rounded, interdisciplinary foundation for real estate development.

Award winners

Outstanding Undergraduate Real Estate Development Students

• Mary Ashley Meadows, a finance major pursuing a minor in real estate development, has gained hands-on experience through internships with The Shopping Center Group, Sage Company LLC, and Mary McBride Interiors, where she supported various facets of real estate development, construction project management, and design. She has obtained her Alabama real estate license and will pursue a career in commercial real estate.
• Robert Rivera is an assistant project manager and estimator with EMR Inc., a general contractor specializing in federal construction projects throughout the Southeast. He earned his bachelor’s degree in building construction at Auburn in 2024. As a student, he won the Alabama Associated General Contractors Howard and Juanita Savage Scholarship in 2023.

 

Outstanding First-Year MRED Student

• Frazier DeVaney is an accomplished commercial real estate professional and vice president of NAI Charter—a company his grandfather, Chester C. DeVaney, founded, and which his father, David F. DeVaney, is president. With a focus on office and industrial assets, Frazier has expertise in sales, leasing, site selection, and tenant representation. He also oversees property and asset management and business development for the company.

Outstanding Second-Year MRED Student

• Krista O’Brien has enjoyed a successful 30-year career in accounting and finance. As a CPA, she held roles in Big Four public accounting and corporate finance leadership within the hospitality and manufacturing industries. Her ability to assess deals and optimize business processes is a key strength in her investment strategy.

 

MRED Faculty of the Year Award

• Jay Mittal, an associate professor of planning and real estate development at Auburn, has partnered with local communities, public housing authorities, real estate developers, and economic development agencies across the Southeast. His research explores real estate valuation, land markets, market analysis, local economic development, and planning & development with a focus on self-financing urban development. He teaches graduate courses in urban planning, real estate development, and GIS.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Project of the Year Award

• Christopher Woodruff, Auburn MRED alumnus and president and CEO of The Cotton Companies, earned the Project of the Year Award for his leadership on Highside Market in Columbus, Ga. This 1.8-acre urban infill and adaptive reuse development blends historic and modern design, featuring 55,000 square feet of retail, dining, office, fitness, and communal space, along with 7,200 square feet of green space. With over 25 years of experience and more than $190 million invested in community-centered projects, Woodruff continues to drive transformative revitalization in Columbus.

 

 

 

 

STAR Award

• Sims Garrison, executive vice president and chief operating officer at Fairway Investments, was honored with the STAR Award (Service to Auburn Real Estate). This recognition celebrates his nearly 30-year real estate career marked by significant contributions to acquisitions, finance, asset management, accounting, business development, and strategic direction at Fairway. A proud alumnus of Auburn’s Harbert College, Garrison earned his accounting degree in 1993 and continues to give back to his alma mater. He serves on the MRED Advisory Board and The Winchester Institute Roundtable, offering his expertise to guide future leaders in real estate. Garrison’s dedication exemplifies the core values of service and leadership that strengthen Auburn’s legacy in real estate.

 

 

 

 

MRED Capstone Sponsor Recognition

• Southeast Venture, a leading Nashville real estate developer, lives by its mission, “building value by valuing relationships.” Known for the 775-acre June Lake project in Spring Hill, Tenn., the master-planned community features an 11-acre lake and two-mile greenway. Offering top-tier education, retail, and corporate office space, June Lake is an upscale suburban haven with a 35% population surge from 2010 to 2020. Two MRED teams were selected for their outstanding Capstone presentations on the June Lakes project.

The Gala concluded with heartfelt recognition of outstanding contributions, including the John McGeever Endowed Scholarship awarded to finance seniors Jillian Hill and Jenna Poole.

The evening also celebrated the achievements of students competing in prestigious events like the Boston University School of Hospitality Real Estate Competition and the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation Real Estate Challenge.

Sponsors

A special thanks was extended to sponsors for their invaluable contributions to the Gala's success, ensuring a night to remember for the Auburn real estate community.

• Fimiani Development Corp.
• Stiles Corporation
• Fairway Investments

The inaugural gala embodied the Winchester Institute’s mission by honoring the achievements of students, faculty, and alumni who drive innovation, collaboration, and excellence in real estate. This recognition underscores the Institute’s dedication to empowering the next generation of leaders and advancing meaningful contributions within the industry.

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Learn more about The Winchester Institute for Real Estate Development.