LOS ANGELES, CA – September 25, 2023 – The USC Lusk Center for Real Estate’s Ross Program will celebrate its 30th anniversary, acknowledging a distinguished track record of educating and empowering the next generation of diverse real estate executives. The event will commemorate the Ross Program’s leaders and alumni who have given their time, energy, and expertise to the program to make it the successful academic pathway it is today. The celebration will be held at City Club Los Angeles on Wednesday, September 27 at 6:00 PM PST, led by keynote speaker Lynne King-Tolliver, founding principal of Archere Investment Management.

The genesis of the program traces back to the aftermath of the Rodney King verdict and the subsequent civil unrest in 1992. During this period, the Community Redevelopment Agency of Los Angeles (CRA) and the University of Southern California (USC) recognized an urgent and unprecedented demand for proficient real estate professionals to assist in the revitalization of South Los Angeles. The CRA identified a shortage of minority developers and collaborated with USC and other community leaders to devise a program to nurture diverse talent within the realm of real estate development. Thus, the “Summer Program in Real Estate,” or “SPIRE” was formed.

The program was later renamed to “The Ross Program in Real Estate” in honor of the late Stan Ross, following his endowment of the program in 2003. Ross was a renowned icon in the accounting and real estate industry, who served as chairman of the board of the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate for 18 years and further as a role model for students and industry professionals alike.

Today, the program has graduated over 1,000 students and continues to equip professionals with critical finance and real estate development skills.

"Throughout the last three decades, this program has effectively prepared individuals to expertly navigate the complex world of real estate development," stated Richard K. Green, who serves as the director of USC Lusk. "I am honored to be part of this institution and remain excited to celebrate our accomplishments. I also look forward to welcoming new Ross participants who contribute to our industry’s continued evolution.”

The event is open to the public, with online registrations being available through Tuesday, September 26 and on-site registrations opening at 5:30 PM PST Wednesday, September 27 before the event. To register online, please visit https://lusk.usc.edu/events/ross-alumni-and-friends-reception-celebrating-30-years.

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About the USC Lusk Center: The University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate seeks to advance real estate knowledge, inform business practice, and address timely issues that affect the real estate industry, the urban economy, and public policy. The Lusk Center produces relevant and timely real estate research, supports educational programs for students and executives, and convenes professional forums that bring together academics, students, business executives, and community leaders. The USC Ross Program in Real Estate, which is sponsored by the USC Lusk Center for Real Estate, is an educational platform providing critical skills to women and minorities. It offers graduates the opportunity to participate in leadership roles and establish a pathway for success within the real estate industry. Our mission is to expand the pool of talented professionals and broaden options for investment in urban communities.

For more information, please visit https://lusk.usc.edu/ross/about