Grace Cassar Named 2025 Woodruff Scholar

The Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate is proud to announce Grace Cassar as

the recipient of the 2025 Woodruff Scholarship, the highest honor bestowed upon a

student in the University of San Diego real estate program. Created in memory of Daniel

Woodruff, the award recognizes a student who embodies academic excellence, warmth,

determination, intellectual curiosity, and an authentic love for people.

A Standout Student Leader

Grace, born and raised in Ventura County, graduated in May 2025 with a double major

in Finance and Real Estate. From her early years on a horse farm, through her time at

Oaks Christian High School, she developed the discipline and work ethic that would

later shape her academic and professional success.

At USD, Grace quickly distinguished herself. She joined Gamma Phi Beta, serving as

Financial Vice President, and was also a member of Delta Sigma Pi, a professional

business fraternity. After taking Principles of Real Estate with Professor John Demas,

she discovered her passion for the field.

Professional Experience and Global Perspective

Grace gained valuable professional experience through internships at Hammer and

Hampel, JLL Capital Markets, and Lee & Associates, where she supported brokers in

leasing and investment sales. She also broadened her perspective during a semester

abroad in Sydney, Australia, exploring the Asia-Pacific region and deepening her global

awareness.

One of the highlights of her academic journey came during her senior year, when she

represented USD as part of the NAIOP University Challenge Team. Alongside her

peers, Grace developed a redevelopment concept for the University Square shopping

center—an experience that tested her creativity, financial acumen, and collaborative

skills.

After graduation, Grace accepted a full-time position with JLL’s Debt and Structured

Equity team, focusing on Manufactured Housing Communities (MHC) and Outdoor

Hospitality investments.

Living the Qualities of a Woodruff Scholar

In addition to her academic and professional success, Grace lives out the qualities that

define a Woodruff Scholar. She balances her career with an active lifestyle that includes

yoga, running, hiking, and Pilates. She enjoys painting with watercolors, cooking, and

traveling—interests that highlight her intellectual curiosity and love of life.

Reflecting on the award, Grace shared:

“I am incredibly honored to be selected as a Woodruff Scholar. This recognition reflects

not just my hard work, but the guidance of my professors, the support of my peers, and

the incredible opportunities provided by USD’s real estate program.”

Celebrating the Woodruff Scholar Tradition

To mark Grace’s selection, Burnham-Moores Center Executive Director Stath Karras

hosted a special dinner at his home, bringing together past and present Woodruff

Scholars. The evening was more than a celebration of Grace’s accomplishments—it

was a reunion designed to honor the ethos of the scholarship and strengthen bonds

among its distinguished recipients.

The gathering included Woodruff Scholars Carey Algaze, Alexander Allione, Nicholas

Bost, Jon Fuller, Craig Henderlite, Lesley Hudson, Shane Isdaner, Molly Jones, Kaysa

Lundberg, Ronald (Beau) May, Caleb McKinley, Nick Norris, Justin Shifrin, and Jack

Turner, along with Center leaders Mark Riedy, Stath Karras and Joe Bertocchini.

Over dinner, scholars shared stories of their journeys since receiving the award,

reflecting on how the scholarship shaped their academic, professional, and personal

paths. For many, the honor remains a defining milestone of their USD experience,

reminding them of the values Daniel Woodruff exemplified: warmth, intellectual curiosity,

determination, and genuine care for people.

This year’s dinner followed the tradition of an annual gathering of Woodruff Scholars. By

coming together each year, the recipients reaffirm their shared bond and commitment to

carrying forward the legacy of excellence and humanity that the award represents.

As the newest member of this community, Grace was warmly welcomed and celebrated

not only for her achievements but also for the spirit she brings to the group. The evening

underscored the enduring impact of the Woodruff Scholarship—both in shaping

exceptional individuals and in weaving a lifelong network of leaders dedicated to the

values it upholds.