Date: Sep 19, 2007

Hofstra establishes the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies

Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY – President Stuart Rabinowitz today announced the establishment of the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies at Hofstra University.  This new, interdisciplinary center for the study of real estate brings together the expertise of Hofstra’s Frank G. Zarb School of Business and the School of Law, as well as the Institute of Real Estate at Hofstra University.  The Center will provide real estate professionals, municipal officials, developers and the public with information, education and scholarly analysis about the complex issues important in the real estate field.  

Click Here to Watch Video of the Announcement

The Center has been named for one of Long Island’s preeminent real estate developers, Wilbur F. Breslin, in recognition of his leadership in the real estate and development community, as well as his long association with Hofstra University.

 “There are few people who have been as influential and important to the development of Long Island as Wilbur F. Breslin,” said President Rabinowitz. “At a time when issues such as development, land use and government regulation have become increasingly complicated and contentious, not only on Long Island but nationwide, the Breslin Center will ensure that Hofstra becomes an international center for the complex and interdisciplinary study of real estate.”
 
“It is my hope that this new academic center at Hofstra will serve as a forum for real estate industry professionals, government officials and community leaders, becoming a place where they can come together to discuss the issues facing residential and commercial development and work out solutions that are beneficial to all,” said Mr. Breslin, founder, president and CEO of Breslin Realty, one of the metropolitan region’s largest and most-successful commercial real estate organizations. “By combining my passion for real estate and for Hofstra, we are creating a place where future generations of real estate professionals can learn the intricate workings of Long Island’s foremost industry, real estate.”

"I am pleased that the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies will be leading the way in the study of the real estate business," said Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi. "As the nation's oldest suburb, Nassau County is the ideal location for the center, where industry leaders can exchange ideas for smart real estate development, land use options and environmentally-friendly building."

“It is my sincere hope that the establishment of the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies at Hofstra University will help to bring together students, real estate professionals and public fficials to forge smart growth options that address everyone’s concerns,” said Brookhaven Town Supervisor Brian X. Foley. “As a public servant, I am glad to see that the Center’s first offering willbe a Land Use Training Program for Municipal Planning and Zoning Officials.”

Richard V. Guardino, Jr. has been named executive dean of the Center.  Dean Guardino also serves as Hofstra’s vice president for business development and leads the Business Development Center.  

The Breslin Center will offer academic and professional programs, seminars and conferences utilizing the resources and expertise of the Hofstra Law School, the Frank G. Zarb School of Business and the Institute of Real Estate at Hofstra.  It will also provide a venue for meaningful networking where industry leaders, students and practitioners can meet, confer and exchange ideas and information on an on-going basis, which will strengthen and expand the industry.  The Center will create a research engine that will contribute significantly to the real estate industry both regionally and globally, and to Hofstra’s reputation as a research institution on an international level, according to Dean Guardino.

“The establishment of the Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies will benefit students who are seeking a career in the real estate field as well as professionals currently working in the real estate industry who want to increase their knowledge and skills,” he said. “It also responds to the great number of real estate firms who need highly skilled professionals with in-depth knowledge and training.”

The Breslin Center will sponsor lectures and conferences on issues of importance to students, real estate professionals, practitioners and officials. The first offering will be a Land Use Training Program for Municipal Planning and Zoning Officials on September 24, 2007, presented by Hofstra Law School and the Institute of Real Estate.  This program will be offered as a public service, at no charge, to key decision makers on land use and economic development on Long Island.  To register or for more information on conferences, call 516-463-6333 or visit www.hofstra.edu/breslincenter

About Wilbur F. Breslin
Wilbur F. Breslin has served as president and chief executive officer of Breslin Realty Development Corp. since 1965. Active in real estate development, leasing and brokerage for more than 45 years, Mr. Breslin is a member of the National Association of Real Estate Boards, National Institute of Real Estate Appraisers, International Council of Shopping Centers, National Association of Real Estate Counselors and National Association of Review Appraisers. He currently serves as a member of the Advisory Board of First American Title Corp., and has served as the past president and chairman of the board of the Central Nassau Chapter of the Long Island Board of Realtors. He also has been a member of the board of National Bank of New York City, Hofstra University and the Long Island Philharmonic.

During his tenure on the Hofstra University Board of Trustees, Mr. Breslin served as chair of the University’s capital campaign – which raised more than $30 million – from 1989 to 1992. Currently, Mr. Breslin is a trustee emeritus as well as a member of Hofstra University’s President’s Leadership Council and continues to play an active role in the progress of the University through his support and guidance on significant initiatives.   Breslin Hall, one of Hofstra’s largest academic buildings, is named for Mr. Breslin in honor of his service and generosity toward the University.

About Hofstra University
Hofstra University is a dynamic private institution offering more than 140 undergraduate and 155 graduate programs in liberal arts and sciences, business, communication, education and allied human services, and honors studies, as well as a School of Law. With a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, professors teach small classes averaging 23 students that emphasize interaction, critical thinking and analysis. The Hofstra community is driven, dynamic and energetic, helping students find and focus their strengths to prepare them for a successful future.

Related Link: Wilbur F. Breslin Center for Real Estate Studies