The Cira Award Scholarship program, sponsored by Brandywine Realty Trust, complements the ULI Etkin Johnson Program and is designed to immerse its student participants into the thriving land use industry in Philadelphia. For one year, beginning in November, program participants will attend ULI Philadelphia events, participate on committees, meet with a mentor and network with ULI members to enhance their scholastic endeavors and learn the benefits of ULI membership. Winners received one year of a complimentary membership as well as complimentary registrations, participation in the mentorship program, and other benefits.

Nate Klass is currently pursuing his Masters of City Planning with a concentration in Real Estate Development at the University of Pennsylvania School of Design. He received his Bachelor’s degree in History from Washington University in St. Louis. After graduation, Klass worked for three years in international education in Shenzhen and Shanghai, China. Living and working in fast-changing metropolises that were undergoing large-scale changes due to top-down policies led Klass to re-think how and why cities function as they do and how we live in them, leading him to pursue a graduate degree in this field. His current studies in real estate development allow him to bring together his many interests in community, policy, and housing.

Brian Simel hails from North Carolina and is currently pursuing his MBA as a member of The Wharton School’s Class of 2018.  After graduating from Duke University, he spent several years working at a young data analytics-focused consulting company, where he helped develop his company’s business practice around using data to help large retailers make real estate decisions.  He came to Wharton to transition into a more focused career in real estate development or acquisitions.  Simel is excited about the future of Philadelphia and hopes to stay in the area after he graduates this Spring.

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