As real estate continues to shape communities and economies worldwide, San José State University is ensuring Spartans lead the way. On September 30, 2025, the SJSU community gathered in the Student Union Ballroom to celebrate the official launch of the Harold Dean Valceschini and Joan Robel Valceschini Real Estate Certificate. The event brought together students, alumni, faculty and leaders in the real estate industry to honor a new milestone for the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business and its School of Management.
This milestone was made possible through the vision and generosity of Harold Dean Valceschini, ’58 Business, and his late wife, Joan Robel Valceschini, whose commitment to advancing education and opportunity will shape the future of Spartan leaders in business and real estate.
Harold was one of the first students to study real estate in the College of Business before the program’s hiatus in the ‘90s. He went on to be very successful in the real estate industry and worked in commercial real estate for nearly 50 years.
The audience watched a special video tribute from Harold Dean Valceschini, ’58 Business, detailing his memories of SJSU and the path to his distinguished career. Photo by Adriana Avila.
A video tribute featuring Harold sharing memories of his time at SJSU and reflecting on how the university shaped his life and career was played at the event.
In the video, Harold shared, “Anybody who’s studying real estate and looking at real estate for their major, San José State is the call.”
The video also included remarks from his granddaughter and SJSU alumna, Carina Valceschini, ’23 Kinesiology, who specialized in sport management.
As her message played in the video, Carina shared, “[SJSU] is a wonderful university and I’m so thankful I get to share this bond with my grandfather.”
Carina attended the event in person and even FaceTimed Harold as the video played so he could witness the audience’s reactions.
Celebrating a Vision for Real Estate Education
“This certificate is more than a program. It is the launch pad for a bigger vision of real estate education at SJSU,” says Rangapriya “Priya” Kannan, dean of the Lucas College and Graduate School of Business.
To sustain this momentum, the college is building a foundation of philanthropic support that expands access, strengthens experiential learning, and connects students with leaders across the region. Gifts to the Real Estate Certificate and its related programs ensure that students gain industry exposure, applied learning opportunities and the professional readiness required in a competitive market.
SREA Co-Presidents Claudia Alvarado, ’26 Finance, and Dylan Lopez, ’26 Finance presenting at the launch event. Photo by Adriana Avila.
“It will energize the Spartan Real Estate Association (SREA), connect us to the development shaping the South Bay, and prepare our students for careers that will have a lasting impact,” shared SREA’s faculty advisor and SJSU alum Scott Daugherty, ’79 Accounting.
The new certificate represents the starting point of a broader vision for a full suite of real estate offerings at SJSU. Strategic investments in faculty support, industry partnerships and applied research will allow the college to create a comprehensive real estate education pathway that serves both students and the regional economy.
SREA Co-Presidents Claudia Alvarado, ’26 Finance, and Dylan Lopez, ’26 Finance, presented at the event, sharing that since its formation in fall 2024, SREA has grown to more than 50 members, seen over 150 student attendees at events and helped several members secure internships and real estate jobs.
The event highlighted the growing need to support scholarships for students pursuing real estate careers. Many SJSU students are working while completing their degrees. Philanthropic investment helps students stay on track academically and participate in hands-on learning experiences, like SREA, that open doors to internships and professional roles.
Also sharing remarks at the event were Vincent J. Del Casino, Jr., provost and senior vice president for Academic Affairs, and Susanna Khavul, professor and director of the School of Management.
Gino Blefari, Priya Kannan, Clark Valceschini and Carina Valceschini. Photo by Adriana Avila.
The event’s keynote address was given by Gino Blefari, ’78 Business, chairman emeritus of HomeServices of America, the nation’s largest residential real estate brokerage. Recognized among the top five most powerful leaders in real estate by the Swanepoel Power 200, Blefari inspired students and alumni with reflections on leadership, perseverance and the importance of giving back.
“We as Spartans need to be the most disciplined, consistent, persistent, authentic, service-oriented and personally developed,” shared Blefari.
The launch of the Harold Dean Valceschini and Joan Robel Valceschini Real Estate Certificate marks a renewed chapter for real estate education at SJSU — a chapter rooted in legacy and positioned to shape the next generation of leaders.
The college invites alumni, industry partners, and community leaders to join this expansion of real estate education at SJSU. Philanthropic support will accelerate the growth of student programming, strengthen industry connections and help build a talent pipeline that reflects the diversity and ambition of Silicon Valley.
Consider making a gift to the Real Estate Fund or learn more about the Real Estate Certificate.
This story was originally published in the Lucas Blog.