Penn State Real Estate Society visits World Trade Center Site
For 14 student members of the Penn State Real Estate Society, accompanied by Professor Andrew Hansz, April 10 began with a chilly, early-morning bus ride to New York City. The day would be a memorable one, marking the Society’s second annual visit to the World Trade Center site. Once again, the event was hosted by PSU alum Jon Knipe, general counsel of Silverstein Properties.
Mr. Knipe kicked off the agenda with a brief presentation of company marketing materials and a tour of WTC’s marketing center. Then, after a light breakfast, students put on vests, hard hats, and closed-toe shoes for a tour of the WTC site led by Silverstein construction manager Carlos Valverde. “He gave us a very good overview of process,” says Society president and Penn State junior Icy Trinh, “from developing to planning to construction.”
“Careers in Real Estate” was the topic of an afternoon interactive panel discussion led by company executives in development, leasing, construction, asset management, and legal counsel. “I was most impressed with the stories of these people,” says Miss Trinh. “It was so interesting to learn about their diverse backgrounds.” Miss Trinh herself is a native of Russia, of Vietnamese heritage, and fluent in several languages.
The Real Estate Society’s daytrip concluded with another hardhat tour, this time of the Four Seasons Hotel site at 30 Park Place, led by Silverstein construction executive Bobby Chen and including a ride in the construction hoist.
The Society extends a warm thank you to Mr. Knipe and to all the good people of Silverstein Properties for making the daytrip a perfect learning experience.