MARQUETTE UNIVERSITY REAL ESTATE CLUB

Curating real-life experiences, real-life connections, with real companies

ABOUT US

Our Story

The Marquette University Commercial Real Estate Club (MUCREC) is designed to broaden our club members horizons. Here, we offer students a diverse network where education meets real-world applications, fostering a deep understanding of the commercial real estate industry.

Through hand-on learning experiences, our members learn about the complexities of real estate and urban development. Our alumni network, Real Estate Alumni Marquette (REALM) prioritize their efforts to support MU students by providing mentorship, network opportunities, and career guidance, ensuring every member has the support to thrive in this field.

Join us to connect, learn, and lead in the evolving landscape of commercial real estate. Together, we build careers and communities.

UPCOMING EVENTS

MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Meet the Minds Behind the Vision

President

Frank Ballarin

Frank Ballarin is from a Chicago suburb named Norridge, IL. He is a current Junior, majoring in Finance and Real Estate. When going to college, double majoring in real estate and finance was what he wanted to do. Because of his older brother, he learned about the applied learning real estate program Marquette offered, making it his top choice. Post-graduation, Frank hopes to work as a transaction analyst at a Real Estate private equity firm or as a Commercial Real Estate credit analyst at a bank.

Email: francis.ballarin@marquette.edu

Vice President

Matt Waters

Matt Watters is from La Crosse, Wisconsin. He is a current Sophomore, majoring in Commercial Real Estate and Finance with a concentration in Commercial Banking. Since his freshman year he started connecting with the faculty in the Real Estate Program, making valuable relationships. Now Matt is getting experience through an internship as a real estate broker at Greywolf Partners. Post-graduation, Matt hopes to work in the development field for a large commercial real estate firm.

Email: m.waters@marquette.edu

Director of Events

Jackson Ball

Jackson Ball is from Naperville, Illinois. He is a current Junior, majoring in Finance and Commercial Real Estate. During his sophomore year, he decided to add a second major and chose Real Estate. He’s always felt an interest in the field and so he decided to apply his interest to his studies. Since then, he has been pursuing opportunities in the field and is excited to see how the next couple of years pan out. Post-graduation, Jackson plans on pursuing a path that would lead him to becoming a developer or working in development.

Email: jackson.ball@marquette.edu

Director of Public Relations

Jared Otarola

Jared Otarola is from Chicago, Illinois. He is a current Sophomore, majoring in Commercial Real Estate and Finance. From a young age, he had an entrepreneurial mindset and was intrigued by what real estate has to offer. Since then he has used his marketing skills to contribute to the real estate club and expand his network. Post-graduation, Jared plans on seeking a position in property management to get to his goal of becoming a commercial real estate developer.

Email: jared.otarola@marquette.edu

Director of Finance

Max Chehval

Max Chehval is from St. Louis, MO. He is a current Junior, majoring in Finance and Commercial Real Estate and is also a part of the Commercial Banking Program. He was introduced to the real estate department by attending O-fest, an event on campus where students are connected with clubs and organizations on campus. But the experience that changed his perspective on his future was the first event he attended, Intro Night, a networking event. This experience changed his future because he discovered the different paths and careers in commercial real estate. Post-graduation, Max hopes to work in commercial real estate banking.

Email: micheal.chehval@marquette.edu

Director of Communications

Hayden Kleynhans

Hayden Kleynhans is from a Minnesota Suburb named Edina. He is currently a Sophomore double majoring in Real Estate and Finance. His journey into real estate began as a hands-on experience during middle and high school, where he actively contributed to the maintenance of his parents' multifamily properties.
Looking ahead, Hayden Envisions a career as a debt and equity broker or something similar in New York City.
This summer he will be working for Lifetime Fitness as property development intern.

Email: hayden.kleyhans@marquette.edu

Director of Recruitment

Jacob Millman

Jacob Millman is from Reading, Pennsylvania. He is currently a Sophomore, majoring in Commercial Real Estate and International Business. Jacob has always been drawn to the idea of working in development or urban planning which made his decision to major in real estate easier. He enjoys the great programming and opportunities the real estate department and club provide to students. Post-graduation, Jacob hopes to work in a career where he can pursue real estate analysis and development.

Email: jacob.millman@marquette.edu

Social Chair

Sophia Strasser

Sophia Strasser is from Lake Geneva, WI. She is currently a Junior graduating in December 2024. She is majoring in Finance and Commercial Real Estate. Coming into Marquette she was a finance major but always had a strong interest in real estate. After meeting Andy Hunt in her REAL 3001 course to pitch the real estate major, she decided to declare it as her second major. Post-graduation she hopes to work towards being an international developer focused on the commercial, specifically hotels, and asset type.

Email: sophia.strasser@marquette.edu