Building Impact 2023
Learn how we're honoring George Killian's legacy with our 2023 Building Impact campaign. Join us in shaping the future of our industry through our partnership with Portland State University's Center for Real Estate.
A New Way to Give
In 2022, we re-imagined our holiday gifting traditions through the Building Impact campaign. Instead of participating in the typical gift exchange, we committed to making a significant annual donation to a community partner organization and we encouraged our team and network to join us in raising funds through matching.
Together we raised over $50,000 for New Avenues for Youth to support their LGBTQIA2S+ program, The Living Room, providing safe, consistent, and welcoming spaces for at-risk youth in our community. Thank you for dreaming big and joining us in making a lasting impact.
Honoring George Killian’s Legacy
This year, we celebrate and honor our founder, George Killian, by introducing the George Killian Building Impact Fund for Portland State University’s Center for Real Estate program. George once attended PSU, where he received a sports scholarship that provided him an opportunity for higher education, one he wouldn’t have had otherwise- an opportunity that likely altered the course of his life.
The 2023 Building Impact Initiative
George’s legacy is deeply rooted in his commitment to trust, integrity, and innovation. These values were the bedrock of his journey, enabling him to create opportunities for himself and those around him. The fund is a testament to his ethos, directing our resources to uplift and empower those who are beginning their journey.
In our inaugural year, Killian Pacific has pledged $52,000, symbolizing our 52 years in business, as the initial seed for the fund, and is committed to future contributions to support the growth and stability of the Center for Real Estate program.
Portland State University and the Center for Real Estate
Why Portland State University? Because institutions of higher learning are where big ideas take root and grow. They are cradles of innovation, where diverse voices, experiences, and dreams converge to shape a better tomorrow.
PSU is uniquely placed in Portland’s urban core and serves nearly 40% BIPOC and nearly 60% Female-identifying or non-binary students across the campus. The average student is in their late twenties, often juggling work and family while seeking an education not just as a means to an end but as a way to contribute meaningfully to their communities. At Killian Pacific, we believe that creating lasting change requires investing in the next generation of leaders. The University’s commitment to diversity, sustainability, and urban development aligns seamlessly with our vision for a more innovative and inclusive real estate sector. It’s a place where our values intersect, and our collective efforts can yield exponential impact.
Since its inception in 2005, the PSU Center for Real Estate has been on a bold mission to equip, inspire, and empower emerging and existing real estate professionals with the holistic, immersive, and application-based curriculum needed to take their careers to new heights. With extensive industry expertise and a proven track record for data-driven innovation, the Center provides a unique brand of commercial real estate education that is unmatched in the northwest.
The George Killian Building Impact Fund
Born from a shared dedication to promoting equity and excellence within the commercial real estate field, we designed this fund with a clear goal of supporting the Center for Real Estate’s ability to provide inclusive and comprehensive programming and opportunities for students to thrive. Priorities for funding will be thoughtfully reviewed in semi-annual collaboration between Killian Pacific and PSU Center for Real Estate leadership and faculty. This ensures that our resources are always aligned with the evolving needs of the industry and the student community served. Examples of initiatives may include:
Internships that provide students with industry-specific experiences and connections, supporting their career readiness.
Scholarships for underrepresented students and those who need it most.
Outreach initiatives, events, and campaigns targeting new communities, building awareness of the program, and commercial real estate career paths.
Operational needs and faculty development to sustain program excellence.
Join Us in Building Impact
Our journey with PSU’s Center for Real Estate is a two-way street. We’re not just investing in change; we’re learning from it. Our partnership encompasses a variety of initiatives, from our financial support to active involvement. Here’s how you can join us:
Financial Contribution: Your contribution to the George Killian Building Impact Fund can spark transformation within the real estate sector. It’s an opportunity to invest in a more equitable and inclusive future for the industry.
Thought Leadership: We encourage our industry peers, partners, and friends to engage by committing to a PSU internship program at your firm, exploring the opportunity for teaching a PSU course, or leading conversations with the center on a panel discussion or event.
Partnership Engagement: As we expand our collaboration with the Center, there will be various opportunities to participate in initiatives that drive change. Send us a note if you’d like to join the effort in shaping a better future for students and propelling our industry forward.
Contact the Center for Real Estate for more information.
“We believe that in partnering with Portland State University’s Center for Real Estate, we’re not just investing in a program; we’re investing in the future of our industry and the positive impact these students will have on our community.
It’s about creating a space where diverse talent thrives and innovation flourishes. Together, we can shape a brighter, more equitable tomorrow for commercial real estate, and that’s a future worth building.”
Adam Tyler, President of Killian Pacific
