Jason Santos '26 (MSRE) Named 2026 Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholar

The Burnham-Moores Center for Real Estate is proud to announce Jason Santos, '26 (MSRE) as the 2026 recipient of the Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship, the Center's highest student honor.

The Woodruff Scholarship recognizes a graduate student who exemplifies academic excellence, leadership, professional achievement, integrity, and a commitment to serving others—qualities that defined Daniel B. Woodruff throughout his life and career. More than a scholarship, it represents a legacy of leadership, generosity, and community impact.

For Jason, receiving the award is both deeply personal and profoundly meaningful. "I am moved and tremendously grateful to receive the Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholarship.  To be associated with his legacy will remain one of the defining memories of my time at USD."

Reflecting on Daniel's legacy, Jason noted that what stood out most was not simply his professional success, but the lasting impression he made on the people around him.  Daniel was an exceptional human being, remembered not just for what he accomplished, but for how he made people feel.

Jason also embraces one of Daniel's guiding principles: "Nothing is granted. It is all a blessing." He describes receiving the scholarship as both humbling and motivating, adding that he hopes to honor the legacy it represents throughout his career.

A multi-generational San Diegan, Jason brings an impressive combination of technical expertise and commercial real estate experience. As a licensed California Civil Engineer, he has spent much of his career working in land development, entitlement consulting, construction management, acquisitions, underwriting, and redevelopment. His experience spans consulting for property owners throughout coastal North County San Diego, construction management in the San Francisco Bay Area, and supporting commercial real estate investment and repositioning projects in San Diego.   Jason plans to continue building his career on the ownership side of the commercial real estate industry.

While his professional accomplishments are significant, Jason's commitment to developing future leaders and strengthening communities is equally remarkable. He says, "I know I wouldn't be here without the help of others reaching back and pulling me forward." That philosophy has guided his extensive leadership within San Diego's commercial real estate community. Jason helped author the Building Industry Association's Young Generation Leaders five-year strategic plan, served as Chair of the BIA yGEN cohort and its mentorship program, served on the Urban Land Institute Young Leaders Board, served as co-chair for a ULI Young Leaders Mentorship group, helped introduce the nationally recognized UrbanPlan program to the ULI San Diego-Tijuana District Council, volunteers as a certified UrbanPlan instructor, and serves on the Design Committee for the Cardiff 101 Mainstreet, a non-profit organization advocating for Cardiff by the Sea residents and businesses in Encinitas.  Jason was also the recipient of the Knauss School of Business 2026 Graduate Student Business Association Community Impact Award.

Through each of these roles, he is committed to helping others discover opportunities within commercial real estate while becoming thoughtful stewards of the communities they help shape.

Outside of work and graduate school, Jason enjoys an active lifestyle with his fiancée and their dog. Whether training for endurance events supporting organizations such as the Challenged Athletes Foundation, Swim for Special Operators Foundation, and Curebound, or simply chasing sunsets, surf, and snow, he brings the same energy and enthusiasm to life that he brings to his professional pursuits.

Jason exemplifies the values that have distinguished every Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholar: leadership with humility, professional excellence, a passion for lifelong learning, and an unwavering commitment to lifting others along the way. 

The Burnham-Moores Center congratulates Jason on this well-deserved recognition and welcomes him into the distinguished community of Daniel B. Woodruff Memorial Scholars.