University of Southern California Announces Naming Gift for Master of Real Estate Development Program

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 5, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The University of Southern California is pleased to announce a $10 million gift from David Dollinger to endow the USC Price School of Public Policy's Master of Real Estate Development degree. The program will be renamed the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Program, permanently linking one of the nation's most well-respected graduate degrees in real estate with one of the program's most distinguished alumni.

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"David Dollinger is a highly regarded leader in real estate development, and an esteemed alumnus of USC," said USC President C. L. Max Nikias.  "With his exceptional philanthropic support, the university will help prepare generations of students for vibrant careers as real estate developers, while cementing the USC Price School of Public Policy's place among our nation's most elite schools in real estate education."  

Dollinger received his Master of Real Estate Development degree from the University of Southern California in 1987, making him an alumnus of the program's inaugural graduating class. 

While the program boasts an exceptional alumni network of distinguished real estate professionals, David Dollinger is widely celebrated as a leader within the industry for his remarkable history of successful R&D, retail and office developments in California. 

"As an alumnus of the first graduating Master of Real Estate Development class, I am especially honored to name this venerable degree program," Dollinger said. "The education and training I received through the MRED has proven to be invaluable over the course of my career. The training I gained as an MRED student helped me put together my first real estate deal when I was still a student. I firmly believe the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Program is the best real estate degree in the nation, and I am thrilled to invest in this fantastic training ground for future developers."

After receiving his graduate degree from USC, Dollinger quickly distinguished himself as a visionary entrepreneur in real estate development, forming Dollinger Properties, a family-owned business focused on the acquisition and development of multi-tenant industrial and retail properties for long-term ownership. Dollinger is responsible for the development and management of over 60 premier properties in California representing more than 4 million square feet of retail and R&D space. Tenants of Dollinger Properties include a wide range of notable businesses, including: Air Liquide, Samsung and Lockheed; as well as some of the best known names in retail, such as Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Trader Joe's, and PetSmart.

"We are thrilled to announce this gift in support of the newly named Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Program, which honors one of the program's most accomplished graduates," said Jack H. Knott, dean of the USC Price School of Public Policy. "This generous gift is an especially significant investment, as David Dollinger is the first USC Price School alumnus to endow a degree program at the school. The naming of the Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Program serves as a fitting tribute to David's legacy at the USC Price School, as well as his commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in real estate development."  

This transformational gift from David Dollinger represents significant support for the Campaign for the University of Southern California, a multi-year effort to secure $6 billion or more in private philanthropy to advance USC's academic priorities and expand the university's positive impact on the community and world.

Funds from this endowment will be used to support a variety of key investments in the Master of Real Estate Development degree, including: the recruitment of additional adjunct faculty; professional development opportunities for students, including attendance at national real estate conferences and international travel experiences; and alumni activities that will further engage graduates of this elite program.

The newly named Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Degree Program is one of the nation's leading graduate programs in the field. The program provides students with a unique interdisciplinary education, bringing together the three main elements of real estate development: design, finance, and policy. Students are exposed to the full range of development functions – market analysis, finance and deal structuring, site planning, and project management and operations – and to all product types, such as residential, commercial, retail, office and industrial.

"We are tremendously grateful for this gift in support of the newly named Dollinger Master of Real Estate Development Program," said Christian Redfearn, director of the USC Price School Graduate Programs in Real Estate. "David is one of us, a graduate from the very first MRED class in 1987. It speaks volumes to have Dave give back. His endowment will support critical investments in the program, reinforcing the school's reputation as a pioneer in real estate education, and preparing graduates for leadership positions across the real estate profession."

About the University of Southern California
The University of Southern California is one of the world's leading private research universities. An anchor institution in Los Angeles, a global center for arts, technology and international trade, USC enrolls more international students than any other U.S. university and offers extensive opportunities for internships and study abroad. With a strong tradition of integrating liberal and professional education, USC fosters a vibrant culture of public service and encourages students to cross academic as well as geographic boundaries in their pursuit of knowledge.

About the USC Price School of Public Policy
The USC Price School of Public Policy, established in 1929, is one of the premier schools of its kind in the nation. Through a time-honored commitment to public service, a legacy of strong connections to professional leaders and a world-renowned research portfolio, the school's faculty, students and alumni work to improve the quality of life for people and their communities worldwide. The USC Price School of Public Policy is at the forefront of research and teaching on today's major issues, including: housing and real estate markets, environmental sustainability, health care, economic development, transportation and infrastructure, governance and leadership, nonprofits and philanthropy, civic engagement, immigration and the impact of terrorism.

SOURCE University of Southern California