Ambrose Ayati
I am 37 years old with an MBA from the University of Dallas (class of 1999). After a four year stint covering the technology sector as a Financial Analyst with a European investment firm in Amsterdam, I decided it was time to change focus from the industry which had started on a downturn since the early 2000s. The Real Estate investment sector and the growth of the RIETS market seemed to provide huge prospects and a healthy long term career opportunity. I moved my family to Dallas and enrolled in the MS Real Estate program at UNT after shopping for good Real Estate programs at other schools and not finding any that complemented my asset valuation skills as well. I was further motivated by some very positive comments about the famed Dr. John Baen at the UNT Real Estate Program which I had read in a couple of books.
Since enrolling in the UNT MS Real Estate program in the fall of 2003, I have gained a wealth of knowledge in practically every area of real estate from valuation to investing, from appraisal to development and from real estate law to property management. Helped by my newly acquired knowledge of the construction industry, I was hired in January 2005 as a Steel Cost Estimator for a large US construction steel producer.
The UNT Real Estate scholarship which I was awarded in 04/05 was a huge blessing as it not only provided me with $1,000 cash towards my tuition over two semesters, but more importantly, it gave me the opportunity to pay in-state tuition which was a huge relief for my family since we had only just moved to Dallas from Europe. I am very grateful to Dr. John Baen and the FIREL department for this great opportunity.
Scott Bryne
Currently, I am working as a portfolio analyst in the home builder finance group at Washington Mutual Bank. I obtained my Bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Oklahoma. I am originally from Tulsa, Oklahoma.
I am on pace to graduate with my Masters degree in Real Estate in May 2006. My experience in the Real Estate program has been better than I ever imagined. Not only do Dr. Baen and Dr. Guttery provide you the knowledge you need to succeed in real estate, but they also provide an environment where students have the opportunity to meet and network with people in the real estate business.
The scholarships that I have received from the real estate alumni association have significantly eased the financial burden that comes with returning to school. I am truly grateful for receiving the real estate scholarships.
