Awards, Awards and More Awards…

The Burnham-Moores Center is proud to celebrate the many accomplishments of our students and team. This spring, members of our community were recognized for their leadership, service, academic excellence, and commitment to strengthening the commercial real estate industry.

Student Awards & Achievements

Real Estate Society Earns Corporate Engagement Champion Award

The Burnham-Moores Center at the University of San Diego's Knauss School of Business is incredibly proud of the Real Estate Society (RES) Board for receiving the Corporate Engagement Champion Award. Their dedication to building meaningful industry partnerships exemplifies our mission to educate, mentor, and guide a diverse group of students toward socially responsible, globally minded careers.

This year, the RES significantly advanced our mission through exceptional programming:

• Impactful Engagement: Hosted more than 24 events, averaging more than 75 students per event while welcoming over 50 industry professionals.

• Organizational Growth: Added 224 new members, bringing total membership to more than 800 students and solidifying RES as one of USD's largest and most active student organizations.

• Career Advancement: Created meaningful relationship-building, internship, and career opportunities through industry panels and property tours.

  
  

We extend our gratitude to the 2025-2026 RES Board for its outstanding leadership and dedication to connecting students with the commercial real estate industry: Pablo Jimenez, President; Lucca Deocariza, Vice President; Jelanie Brookins and Maritza Santoyo, Co-Vice Presidents of Marketing; Monet Castellino, Vice President of Research and Outcomes; Miles Sedlin, Vice President of Events; Ana Schramm, Vice President of Industry and Community Relations; and Zakai Stone, Vice President of Finance.

Real Estate Student Named University Valedictorian

Real estate major and chemistry minor JD Mouri was named the University of San Diego's 2026 Valedictorian. JD will begin medical school this July, and we are incredibly proud of this well-deserved recognition.

Read more about JD's remarkable journey here: https://www.sandiego.edu/newscenter/141627

Jason Santos Receives Community Impact Award

Jason Santos, '26 (MSRE), was named the recipient of the 2026 Graduate Student Business Association Community Impact Award, recognizing his outstanding leadership, service, and commitment to others.

Jason exemplifies one of USD's core values: community and compassionate service. Throughout the MSRE program, he has consistently supported those around him with generosity, humility, and a genuine desire to strengthen the community. He leads not for recognition, but because he believes in helping others succeed. What makes Jason especially impactful is the way he inspires others to become more engaged, support one another, and recognize that leadership is often demonstrated through presence, encouragement, and service. While technical skills are essential in commercial real estate, the professionals who build trust, strengthen relationships, and foster belonging leave the greatest impact.

Jason, thank you for the example you set and for the positive energy you bring to the USD community. We are proud to celebrate your accomplishments and grateful for the many ways you continue to strengthen those around you.

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BMC Team Recognition

Julia Turpit Honored with Excellence in Mission Award

Julia Turpit ‘12 was named the recipient of the Knauss School of Business Excellence in Mission Award. Bringing the Knauss mission to life is a daily priority for Julia, and she strives to maintain a people-first approach that ensures every student feels genuinely welcomed and empowered to realize their full potential.

Strengthening our community by building bridges between students and industry is her passion. She is deeply committed to ensuring students feel supported both personally and professionally, believing there is no greater reward than seeing them thrive. Whether helping a student secure a full-time job offer during the second day of the semester or offering encouragement throughout their academic journey, Julia's dedication to fostering a culture of care is evident in everything she does.

Catherine Northcutt Receives Spirit of Service Award

Catherine Northcutt ’96, 19 (MA), was named the recipient of the 2026 Knauss School of Business Spirit of Service Award, an honor recognizing individuals who embody service, community, inclusion, and care for others.

A tireless ambassador for the Knauss School of Business, Catherine is known for building meaningful relationships that create opportunities for students and strengthen connections throughout the San Diego business community. Through her collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment to others, she has made a lasting impact on students, alumni, employers, and colleagues alike.

As an ICF-certified coach and self-described "Connection Champion," Catherine is a passionate advocate for the advancement of women and fostering a sense of belonging within the San Diego real estate community. She is also the driving force behind the Building Relationships Series, bringing energy, purpose, and a culture of care to the MSRE cohort and the broader Knauss community. Catherine's work reflects the University of San Diego's vision of fostering peace, working for justice, and leading with love, making her a truly deserving recipient of this year's Spirit of Service Award. Congratulations, Catherine!

Sallee Spearman Earns Collaboration Champion Award

As Senior Finance Manager supporting multiple departments across the Knauss School of Business, Sallee Spearman has become much more than a financial resource. Although she supports departments across the school, the Burnham-Moores Center is fortunate to count her as part of its team.

Sallee was honored with the Collaboration Champion Award for her exceptional teamwork and cross-departmental partnership in service of the Knauss mission. Behind the scenes, Sallee is the trusted advisor who quietly removes administrative roadblocks, allowing her colleagues to focus on advancing programs and serving students. She is consistently the first to volunteer for additional responsibilities and the first to support a teammate in need. Her collaborative impact extends well beyond Knauss. Sallee recently spearheaded a university-wide overhaul of campus transportation services, demonstrating the trust she has earned across the institution. Through her proactive leadership and unwavering integrity, she embodies what it means to lead with both purpose and innovation.

Congratulations, Sallee, and thank you for the countless ways you strengthen the Burnham-Moores Center, the Knauss School of Business, and the University of San Diego community.

Joe Bertocchini Receives Project Next's Heart for Students Award

Project Next honored Joe Bertocchini ‘01 with its Heart for Students Award.

Joe is the reason Project Next has the READI program, which has introduced countless students to industries, professionals, and career opportunities they may never have otherwise experienced. What makes Joe so special is not only what he helped create, but how he continues to invest in students personally. He shares his knowledge, asks thoughtful questions about their goals, listens to their stories, and helps young people see themselves as future professionals. That belief has the power to change lives.

Joe, thank you for helping students build confidence, meaningful connections, and a vision for what's possible. Your dedication continues to make a lasting difference.