The launch of the Alumni Liaison role marks an exciting next step in the evolution of the Michigan Real Estate Mentorship Program. As participation continues to expand, this dedicated position provides the structure and ongoing support needed to turn initial mentor matches into meaningful, lasting professional relationships. Rather than adding formality, the role serves as a bridge for both mentee and mentor—helping students navigate outreach and conversation starters while equipping alumni with guidance on how to engage effectively with students at different stages of their academic and career journeys.

By creating a consistent point of contact, the role reflects a broader commitment to strengthening the connection between current students and Michigan's growing commercial real estate network. Serving in this inaugural role is Brett Geffner (BA ’18), who brings both industry experience and a deep connection to the university to support participants. Ultimately, the objective is to move beyond one-off introductions and build a sustained culture of mentorship—where students feel empowered to seek advice, alumni are supported in giving back, and connections endure well beyond the classroom. The creation of this role represents an important investment in the future of the Weiser Mentorship Program: building a culture of mentorship that can continue to grow from one generation of Michigan real estate professionals to the next.

Brett Geffner is a Vice President at Vanbarton Group in New York, where he sits within the Investments Group overseeing and contributing to acquisitions, asset management, and development of trophy assets across a range of asset classes. Prior to joining Vanbarton, Brett was a Senior Associate in Capital One Bank’s Commercial Real Estate division, where he focused on Originations and Underwriting. Brett began his career as an Analyst at Rosin & Associates, performing valuation advisory, third-party underwriting, and due diligence services for both institutional and retail clients. He received a B.A. with Honors Distinction in Political Science from the University of Michigan.

Brett is particularly excited to lead the Alumni Liaison initiative because he sees an opportunity to make the mentorship experience more accessible and meaningful for both mentees and mentors alike. Students may be entering a professional relationship for the first time and may not always know how to communicate with a seasoned professional. At the same time, alumni mentors bring tremendous experience and a genuine desire to help, but may sometimes be unsure how best to translate that experience into guidance that resonates with today's students. Brett sees his role as helping bridge that gap—not by managing the relationships, but by giving both students and alumni the confidence, context, and support to make those relationships stronger. He is passionate about creating an environment where students feel comfortable reaching out, asking questions, and learning through honest conversations, while giving alumni the tools and encouragement to share their experiences in ways that are genuinely helpful. Most importantly, Brett believes that mentorship should feel authentic, personal, and reciprocal. He looks forward to help build on the foundation of the Michigan Real Estate Mentorship Program and ensure that every student and mentor has the opportunity to develop the kind of meaningful, long-term relationship that makes the Michigan network so special.