Real estate scholarship fund established for Tulane University graduate students in New Orleans, Louisiana
Stirling Properties announces the Maurin Ogden Tulane Real Estate Fund, a new academic scholarship opportunity for Tulane University graduate students pursuing a real estate or related degree.
In partnership with Tulane University and ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Foundation, the Maurin Ogden Tulane Real Estate Fund focuses on academic and professional development for graduate students enrolled in the A.B. Freeman School of Business and School of Architecture. Underwritten by Jimmy Maurin and Roger Ogden, founders of Stirling Properties, the new fund will distribute $10,000 a year for academic awards over the next ten years.
As part of the fund, one (1) $5,000 scholarship will be awarded each year for qualified tuition and related expenses. The scholarship recipient will also receive ICSC Student Membership and participation in the ICSC Mentorship Program specifically designed for emerging real estate professionals who are seeking to develop their careers and build relationships in the commercial real estate industry.
In addition, five (5) Conference Awards will be given annually for students, providing all-expense-paid attendance to ICSC RECon in Las Vegas, the world’s largest retail real estate convention, offering the students valuable exposure to industry leaders and potential employers.
Working with the ICSC Foundation, Stirling Properties has been actively involved in leading efforts to help create and maintain a pipeline of diverse and robust talent for the future of the commercial real estate industry. The company established a similar scholarship program at LSU in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where it has been instrumental in introducing students to academic and career placement opportunities over the past several years.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to invest in the future of our industry, while also supporting our local communities,” said Maurin. “We are thankful for ICSC’s partnership in helping us to expand this program to Tulane University students and build awareness for real estate among young people entering the job market. Our goal is to attract and develop the best and brightest talent pool for the commercial real estate industry—the next generation of leaders in our businesses.”
“Thank you to Stirling Properties’ founders, Jimmy Maurin and Roger Ogden, for their generosity and continued commitment to educational and professional development. The Maurin Ogden Tulane Real Estate Fund will create meaningful opportunities for students to connect with industry professionals, access valuable educational resources, and participate in experiential learning. As a recent graduate of the Tulane MBA program, I know how impactful this scholarship and partnership will be, and I am proud to now help with these efforts,” said John Woodard, Development Manager with Stirling Properties.
The Maurin Ogden Tulane Real Estate Fund is expected to be awarded this fall and will be established and administered by Tulane University according to its policies and procedures for non-endowed funds.
Stirling Properties Mixes Philanthropy & Fun
Inaugural Stirling Fest raises $60,000 for local nonprofits!
Aloha. Stirling Properties celebrated our inaugural Stirling Fest last Friday, a day of Hawaiian-style fun and philanthropy to raise money for charitable causes throughout the Gulf South region. The event, hosted by the Stirling Stewardship Committee, was a HUGE SUCCESS, raising over $60,000 for local nonprofit organizations!
Representing our motto of #BeTheChange: Helping others is a work of heart, every year, Stirling Properties selects charitable organizations to become the recipients of our annual company-wide fundraising efforts. Nonprofit groups are nominated and then voted on by Team Stirling members. This year, we are proud to have expanded our recipients to four worthy organizations—Special Olympics Louisiana, Camp N.O.R.A., Safe Harbor Northshore and Ronald McDonald House Charities Mobile! Representatives from each organization were in attendance to celebrate with us and receive a check for $15,000.
Celebrating our 7th year, the fundraising event was changed from an Olympics-style to more of a festival with music, games and tons of great prizes. Held at Digs Volleyball Complex in Covington, the Luau-themed day featured delicious food and beverages along with live music by in-house band Craig Marks the Spot and DJ El Camino (aka Michael Hecht of GNO, Inc.). Games and activities were held throughout the day including Beach Volleyball, Simon Says, Hula Hooping and Checkers.
The main event was a 4-team Cajun Huki Pull relay representing each of the designated nonprofits. Congratulations to Team Special Olympics, they took home the trophy for Beach Volleyball and the Huki Pull!
Mahalo. A special thanks to all of our sponsors, supporters, and Team Stirling for your generosity. Major sponsors include BXS Insurance, Berkadia Commercial Mortgage, Brasfield & Gorrie, Fishman Haygood LLP, IBERIABANK, Richard Price Contracting Co., BH Management, Hancock Whitney Bank, Capital One, Duplantis Design Group PC, Rotolo Consultants, Walker & Dunlop, Wells Fargo, Louisiana Landscape, Ogden Painting, Zito∙Russell Architects PC, Acadia Land Surveyor, Baker Donelson, Kent Design, Regal Construction, Robert Refrigeration, Stratum Engineering LLC, Armstrong Property Services, Associated Building Services LLC, Bellingrath Wealth Management, Champion Security, Cleco, Construction South Inc., Donahue Favret, E. Cornell Malone Corp., Eustis Mortgage, First Bank & Trust, First Guaranty, Gallo Mechanical, Greenleaf Lawson Architects, Jimmy Maurin, Jones Walker, Jones Swanson Huddell & Garrison LLC, Lemoine Company, Malone Roofing Services LLC, Metro Mechanical Inc., Newmark Grubb Knight Frank, PGIM Real Estate Finance, Pinnacle Elevators, Precision Metal Inc., Precision Waste Solutions LLC, Real Estate Tax Group, Resource Management LLC, Roger Ogden, SCS Electric Inc., Sun Interiors, Trimark Constructors LLC, VergesRome Architects, Vinson Guard Service Inc., WLS Lighting Solutions and Fidelity Bank.
And a big shout-out to the Stirling Stewardship Committee and the Stirling Fest Committee for all their hard work organizing the event and making it happen!
A hui hou (until we meet again)! #StirlingProud
Thank you to Big Easy Parking Lot Maintenance, Cosmich Simmons & Brown PLLC, Gulf South Electric, River Parish Disposal, Chris’ Paving, Coastal Environmental Services, Connelly Construction Group, Cost Segregation Services, Covington Electric Services Inc., Geiger Heating & Air, ITS Fire Alarm Security LLC, Jefferson Sprinkler, Larry Loyd Construction Co., Moran Construction Consultants LLC, Mullin Landscape Associates, PMAT Real Estate Investments, Premier Service Team LLC, Premium Parking, Professional Maintenance Services, Southeastern Waterproofing, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, Upchurch Services, CMC, Moradel Cleaning Services Inc., Angelos Landscaping, B&G Lawn Maintenance LLC, Cook Moore & Associates, Dale’s Paving Inc., NcNeer Electrical Contracting Inc., Unit Design Inc., CertaPro Painters of Lafayette, Delta Flooring, Dixie Office Products, Floor Trader, Huseman & Associates LLC, Mele Printing, Pat Brister, ACA Mechanical/Industrial LLC, Susan Bonnett, T.L. Construction LLC, Grass Unlimited, Acadiana Lighting & Signs, CJ Ladner Insurance Agency Inc., Multitech Office Machines and Sign Lite.
Field of Dreams Comes To Fruition
The Miracle League Northshore recently celebrated the ribbon cutting of its new Children’s Hospital & Brees Family Miracle Field located at Coquille Parks and Recreation in Covington, Louisiana!
The Miracle League works to provide disabled children and young adults, regardless of their level of disability, the opportunity to play league games and enjoy the emotional and physical benefits of being part of a team. The group promotes the health and well-being of children with disabilities, provides opportunities for non-disabled children to learn about and interact with children with disabilities, and develops community awareness and support for athletes with disabilities through organized sports leagues.
Previously, the children played on a natural-grass field, but the dirt and grass design was challenging and unsafe to maneuver from a wheelchair or with crutches used by many Miracle League participants. Coquille Parks and Recreation donated land, and after a years-long fundraising campaign, the group was able to raise enough money to build a brand new special-needs field.
The new Miracle Field is a specially constructed surface that uses a cushioned, synthetic turf to accommodate wheelchairs and other walking-assistance devices that, along with appropriate support facilities, is designed specifically for use by children with disabilities.
Stirling Properties is proud to have played a small role in this significant accomplishment. In 2016, we selected the Miracle League Northshore as one of the beneficiaries of our annual Stirling Olympics fundraiser, raising $28,000 to help fund the new playing field! Additionally, Team Stirling members—Griffin Lennox and Bradley Cook—have been active volunteers and ambassadors with The Miracle League since 2015.
Lennox also serves as a “buddy” for participants with The Miracle League to help encourage learning and fun. “Stirling Properties is grateful to have had the chance to participate in such a rewarding project and see the Miracle Field finally come to fruition. Every child deserved the opportunity to play sports and have fun interacting with other children—and this new field offers a supportive environment to do that. Being able to work with The Miracle League over the last few years has been incredibly rewarding. The excitement and determination you see on our players’ faces are truly inspirational,” said Lennox.
Stirling Properties was one of the many supporters to help bring the project to fruition, but the two major sponsors, Children’s Hospital and the Drew Brees family, really knocked it out of the park! Together, they gave more than $400,000 of the $900,000 it cost to complete the facility.
Now, let the games begin! The inaugural spring baseball games have kicked off. Visit miracleleaguenorthshore.org to learn how you can get involved. Volunteers and financial support is needed for continued operation of the Miracle Field.
#StirlingProud
Come Celebrate Christmas at the Square!
Tis’ the season to celebrate! Join us at Hammond Square for the 6th Annual Christmas at the Square celebration in Hammond, Louisiana, on Saturday, December 8th from 10am-12pm. This FREE event is open to the public and a holly jolly time for all ages!
Santa and Mrs. Claus will be in attendance to help spread the holiday cheer. The celebration will feature a petting zoo, pony rides, face painting, a caricature artist, a live radio remote with Cajun 107.1 and more.
During the event, Hammond Square will also be collecting personal care items for Our Friends Closet, a community based nonprofit organization that provides hygiene and personal care products to low income, homeless and unaccompanied students in need. Please help us make the holidays special for middle and high school students in Tangipahoa Parish by donating items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, body wash, feminine products, laundry pods, face wipes, socks and more. Stop by Our Friends Closet’s booth to drop your items during the event!
So come out and celebrate Christmas at the Square with us…and Santa Claus! While you’re there, don’t forget to visit Hammond Square’s great retail stores and restaurants for all your Christmas shopping and holiday needs.
Visit HammondSquare.com or “like” us on facebook.com/hammondsquare for a complete list of retailers and events.
Chipping In For Charity
Local charities score big during
Stirling Properties’ Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament
Stirling Properties hosted its 18th Annual Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament on Monday, October 8th at University Club Plantation in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. This year’s tournament successfully raised more than $25,000 for local charities!
113 participants enjoyed a variety of friendly competitions in addition to 18 holes of scramble golf tournament play. Congratulations to the 1st Place Low Net winners, Stuart Bonaventure, Ryan Juneau, BJ Branigan and Trent Sandahl. The Low Gross winning team included Andy Coleman, David Laizer, Tommy Buckel and Dennis Shill.
The Longest Drive award went to Marc Bourgeois, and Closest to the Pin prizes were presented to Eric Landry, Paul Geyer and Chip Songy. Additional awards were given for 2nd, 3rd and 4th Low Gross and Low Net. A special shout out to the Highest Gross scoring team, William McKnight, Beau Egan, Elliot Turner and Neal Choppin.
However, the real winners of the day were the local nonprofit organizations that benefited from the tournament proceeds. Ochsner Foundation received $10,000 from the proceeds, and the remaining profits will be distributed to various local charitable causes.
Representatives from Ochsner Foundation were on hand to receive a check for their contributions. Grady Brame, Executive Vice President with Stirling Properties, presented a check to Louisa Post, Ochsner Foundation’s Director of Development for Baton Rouge, during an awards celebration and cocktail reception following the tournament. Rick Perry, President and CEO of Tiger Athletic Foundation, was also presented with a $1,000 check to TAF for the LSU Golf Team.
“A great time—for a great cause—was had by all. We are fortunate to be able to play such an outstanding course, and to have the opportunity to help raise funds for local nonprofit organizations that are doing critical work in our community,” said Brame. “We could not accomplish all of this without the generosity of our tournament sponsors. We want to thank all of our sponsors and everyone who came out to support our event.”
The Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament has contributed more than $239,000 to numerous organizations over the past 18 years.
Thank you to all of our friends and supporters who participated and contributed to the Stirling Invitational Golf Tournament. This event would not be possible without you.
#StirlingProud
Additional sponsors include Netchex, Newmark Knight Frank, Metairie Bank, Real Estate Tax Group, Big Easy Parking Lot Maintenance, Gulf South Electric, Dixie Office Products, Metro Mechanical Inc, Covington Electric Services Inc, Geiger Heating & Air, Jones Fussell LLP, PMAT Real Estate Investments LLC, Premium Parking, River Parish Disposal, Certified Air Conditioning, Roth Law Firm LLC, Ryan Gootee General Contractors, Larry Loyd Construction Co. Inc, ITS Fire Alarm Security, Southeastern Waterproofing, Trimark, Palmisano Group, Robert Levis Development LLC, Mullin Landscape Associates, Premier Service Team LLC, Codaray Construction LLC, Chrestia & Inc, B&G Lawn Maintenance LLC, Gene Nims Builders, NcNeer Electrical Contracting Inc, Dale’s Paving Inc, Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Company, CMC (Calcasieu Mechanical Contractors), Angelos Landscaping, Cook Moore & Associates (Cornerstone), Cost Segregation Services Inc. (CSSI), Huseman, Jeffrey Lipp Parking Lot Services, Precision Concrete Cutting of Louisiana, Professional Maintenance Services, , Unit Design Inc, Thermal Products Inc, Grass Unlimited, Crystal Clean Sweeping, Landry’s Lawn, T.L. Construction LLC, ACA Mechanical Industrial Inc, CertaPro Painters, CJ Ladner (State Farm), Sign Lite, Jimmy Maurin, James Hudson, and Roger Ogden.
A huge shout out to Fidelity Bank for sponsoring lunch.
Stirling Properties helping to build Next Generation of commercial real estate professionals
In partnership with ICSC (International Council of Shopping Centers) Foundation, Stirling Properties’ team members have been actively involved in leading efforts to help create and maintain a pipeline of strong and diverse talent for the future of the commercial real estate industry. Two main areas of focus are centered on professional and academic development.
Next Generation is ICSC’s educational, networking, and mentoring program specifically designed for emerging retail real estate professionals who are seeking to develop and advance their careers and build relationships in the commercial real estate industry.
Carly Plotkin and Townsend Underhill
Townsend Underhill, Stirling Properties’ President of Development, is serving as the Southern Division Chairman for Next Generation—he is also Past Louisiana State Director for ICSC. Recently, his volunteer committee hosted the very first fundraising event for the Next Generation Fund of the ICSC Foundation during the ICSC Next Generation Conference in Toronto. More than $7,000 was raised to help support a professional education scholarship fund designed for up-and-coming professionals who are interested in progressing their skills in retail real estate.
Carly Plotkin, Sales & Leasing Executive with Stirling Properties, was awarded one of the first two scholarships from the Next Generation fund! Plotkin is also currently serving as the ICSC Next Generation State Chair for Louisiana and on the national Board for ICSC Next Generation.
“Stirling Properties is extremely proud of our work on this front. We are equally proud that one of our very own agents was awarded a professional development scholarship. No one is more deserving of this honor than Carly,” said Underhill. “Assisting new professionals in our industry to succeed—and even excel—in their careers is crucial for the future of our business. So we must be proactive in ensuring that we are not only attracting and retaining the brightest talent base available, but also equipping them with the tools they need to be prosperous.”
ICSC also supports numerous student academic programs, such as annual student membership opportunities, conference attendance, scholarships and experiential opportunities, as well as mentoring and job assistance.
Stirling Properties’ Vice President of Finance, Justin Landry, serves on the ICSC Foundation Talent & Education Committee, which focuses on identifying, attracting, and developing young people with interest in the retail real estate industry. The committee’s primary goal is to increase student engagement in ICSC, and focus on job placement within the industry.
Landry was selected to serve on the ICSC committee due to his background working with college-level students at LSU (Louisiana State University). He works as an instructor for the university teaching Finance 7720 (Commercial Real Estate Investing).
Jimmy Maurin, Justin Landry and ICSC Maurin-Ogden Foundation LSU Scholarship Award Recipients
Over the past few years, Landry has been instrumental in introducing LSU students to academic scholarships and career placement opportunities, such as the ICSC Maurin-Ogden Foundation LSU Scholarship Award, funded by Jimmy Maurin and Roger Ogden, founders of Stirling Properties. Through the scholarship, students receive all-expense-paid attendance to ICSC RECon in Las Vegas, the world’s largest retail real estate convention. Each year, Stirling Properties hosts LSU Award Recipients at the conference, offering the students valuable exposure to industry leaders and potential employers.
Now, working with the ICSC Foundation Talent & Education Committee, future academic engagement strategies include developing and increasing student-focused events at major ICSC conferences; building relationships with universities and establishing/enhancing Real Estate Clubs; identifying and expanding educational opportunities such as internships and case competitions; and career placement programs such as career fairs and targeted recruitment sessions.
“This is an extraordinary opportunity for us to invest in the future of our industry, while also supporting local communities,” said Landry. “ICSC has been on the front lines leading this charge, and Stirling Properties is proud to be able to partner with them to advance their efforts. Collectively, we are developing strategies that will lead to job creation for students, economic growth for local communities, and talent retention within our industry. These are the next generation of executives and brokers that are going to lead our companies—it’s critical that we make them a priority.”
#StirlingProud
