Reichard Real Estate Academy
The Reichard Real Estate Academy (RREA) is Gies Business’ premier commercial real estate program, preparing students for entry-level careers in commercial real estate. The Academy’s five-semester curriculum is open to any University student who meets the pre-requisites. Strong performance in course work and demonstrated interested in commercial real estate will be factors in determining admission to the academy. The program emphasizes requisite knowledge to be successful in the commercial real estate industry – including real estate financial modeling, real estate capital markets and real-world transaction analysis, equipping members with strong technical and industry-relevant skills.
Kickstart a Career in Commercial Real Estate
RREA builds a well-rounded foundation through case studies, case competitions, market and industry discussions, and software training, including Microsoft Office, CoStar, and ARGUS.
Members benefit from exclusive alumni networking, Chicago firm treks, guest speakers, and mentorship, helping them secure internship and full-time roles while building a strong professional network.
RREA seeks motivated sophomore students with a strong interest in commercial real estate finance and requires completion of multiple finance courses within Gies College of Business.
Illinois Student Real Estate Association
Are you Class of 2029 but want to become involved with commercial real estate right now? Check out Rho Epsilon – the Student Real Estate Association at the University of Illinois.
Fall 2026 Recruitment Information
The Reichard Real Estate Academy recruits sophomore students looking to pursue a career in commercial real estate and finance. We will hold an information session September 24 at 7 pm to review the updated recruitment process and requirements for candidates.
Faculty Leadership
Sarah Byrnes
Sarah Byrnes is the Director of the Reichard Real Estate Academy. Sarah is also a clinical assistant professor in the Department of Finance. Sarah is an alumna of Gies Business with a degree in finance. She brings more than 20 years of institutional commercial real estate experience. She has held senior investor relations and capital markets roles at NYSE-listed REITs, including Equity Commonwealth, Retail Properties of America, and Equity Office Properties Trust.
C. Kat Grimsley
C. Kat Grimsley is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the Gies College of Business, where she teaches courses in real estate finance, investment, and development. With a Ph.D. in Land Economics from the University of Cambridge and extensive experience spanning academia, government, and industry, she brings global expertise to the classroom. Her work has been recognized with numerous awards, including being named a Distinguished Fellow of the NAIOP Research Foundation.
Allyson Sehy
Allyson Sehy is an Adjunct Clinical Assistant Professor of Finance at the Gies College of Business, where she teaches courses in real estate finance, markets, and investment. She brings nearly two decades of experience in banking and real estate, having served in leadership roles at Busey Bank, Wells Fargo, and RBS Citizens Bank before founding her own firm, Alpha Brand 217, LLC. Her expertise spans real estate lending, portfolio management, and financial markets.
About the Academy
The Reichard Real Estate Academy is made possible by the generous gift of Nate Reichard.About Nate Reichard
A 2006 University of Illinois alumnus, Nate Reichard is the founder and CEO of Reichard Capital, LLC. In his capacity he drives the Company’s overall strategic vision and direction. Nate has spent approximately 20 years in the real estate, insurance and capital markets industries.Nate has distinguished himself as a successful entrepreneur by managing a portfolio of almost $1 billion of transactional volume with differentiated business strategies. Nate is poised to gain inspiration from his family’s legacy in construction as Reichard Capital seeks to institutionalize its capital formation strategy and its affiliated companies.
Contact Us
For any questions about the Academy, please reach out to Sarah Byrnes.