A team of Chapman University graduate students took home first place at the 2025 NAIOP SoCal Orange County Real Estate Challenge, marking the third win for the university since the competition’s inception.
Chapman’s Master of Science in Real Estate (MSRE) students earned top honors with their innovative redevelopment proposal for a 37-acre site in the heart of Santa Ana, which currently includes the Civic Center and Santa Ana Stadium. The team’s plan featured a multi-use soccer stadium and a community-focused development strategy aimed at revitalizing a historically underutilized civic area.
The students presented their proposal before an audience of more than 150 commercial real estate professionals. Judges praised the plan for its creativity, economic vision and potential for long-term social impact.
Competing students included Isabella Gonzalez Webster, Alexander de Brito, Asi Ansari, Evan Chevalier and Evelyn Aguirre.
“We are proud of our students’ outstanding achievement,” said Matt Lightner, assistant director of Chapman’s MS in Real Estate program. “We are grateful for the ongoing support of the program’s staff, professors and mentors in helping shape Chapman’s next generation of real estate leaders.”
The Orange Cup victory continues Chapman’s strong track record in the competition, hosted annually by the NAIOP SoCal chapter.
