Pepperdine Celebrates Launch of Fred Sands Institute of Real Estate
Pepperdine Magazine is the feature magazine for Pepperdine University and its growing community of alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends.
Over 350 friends, faculty, community leaders, and longtime associates gathered at
the Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, on Wednesday, June 24, for a dedication and celebration
dinner to launch the Fred Sands Institute of Real Estate at the Graziadio School of
Business and Management. The event recognized the consummate career of industry icon
and entrepreneur Fred Sands and applauded his commitment to educating future generations
of real estate professionals through a dynamic new enterprise within the University’s
business school.
Following an invocation by Drew Sams, senior pastor and head of staff of Bel Air Presbyterian
Church, Graziadio School dean David M. Smith offered his remarks about the impact
of the Fred Sands Institute on the University.
“I feel especially fortunate that Fred Sands has invested and trusted in us to help
lead the legacy of real estate education at Pepperdine,” Smith said. “We commit to
honoring that trust and, with Fred’s help, establishing entrepreneurs and individuals
who are game-changers in the real estate landscape who will grow the vision and mission
of the program. ”
Current and former business associates also paid tribute to Sands’ enduring commitment
to the industry. Longtime friends Doris Gustafson, former executive vice president
and general sales manager of Fred Sands Realtors; Roger Burghdorf, executive vice
president of leasing at Vintage Real Estate; and Zev Yaroslavsky, former member of
the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, shared memories and voiced their support
of the noteworthy venture.
As he took the stage, Sands expressed his gratitude to friends, family, and supporters
for the opportunity to share his expertise in this way. “I’m flattered, I’m honored,
and I’m touched,” said Sands. “Thank you for supporting my family and Pepperdine University
in this endeavor.”
In his concluding remarks, president Andrew K. Benton reinforced the sentiments shared
throughout the evening with his own confidence in and excitement about the promise
of the Fred Sands Institute.
“Real estate, for Fred, is so much more than a mere business transaction,” said Benton.
“The future of the Fred Sands Institute is bright, indeed.”