When Chris Wilson ’90 graduated from Lehigh with an accounting degree, he never imagined he would one day help shape the university’s global footprint in real estate. Wilson serves as co-sponsor of the Goodman Center for Real Estate's Study Abroad Program, now in its third consecutive year, creating immersive learning experiences for students in Dublin, London, Edinburgh, and — this January — Milan.
“Real estate is a tangible business. Students really resonate with getting out of the classroom and experiencing everything up close,” Wilson says. “Visiting a dozen buildings and sites over the course of a week in a foreign city really lights a fire in them.”
This year’s cohort will explore Milan just weeks before the Winter Olympics, including a visit to a venue preparing to host an Olympic event. It’s an experience that students won’t soon forget, made possible through Wilson’s international network.
“Our host cities are largely based on leveraged connections,” he explains. “There’s real value in learning about development activity in different countries.”
Throughout the trip, students step into projects in progress and hear directly from developers about the decisions, challenges, and opportunities behind each site. These experiences make the technical concepts less theoretical and more practical, deepening the students’ grasp of global market dynamics.
During a past trip to London, Wilson brought students inside 2 Finsbury Avenue, a 36-story office tower under development. The group stepped onto a self-climbing rig more than 20 stories above the ground as it constructed the building’s central core.
“There's nothing more hands-on than seeing the actual concrete get poured firsthand,” he says.
What continues to surprise Wilson is how willing industry leaders around the world are to meet with Lehigh students.
“It’s unbelievable how open everyone is when you ask to bring a group of university students to see their site,” he says. “These are senior executives in foreign countries who have never even heard of Lehigh before, but they’re willing to offer their time and mentorship.”
While the Goodman Center’s study abroad program is still relatively new, it's already made an impact on the students and Wilson himself. Mentoring is something he values, and the enthusiasm from students and their families keeps his connection to Lehigh strong.
“Using industry expertise to benefit students is something I love doing. I get so much out of these trips both during and after,” he says. “I originally committed thinking I’d help the students, but there’s so much more to it than that. You’re guiding someone at the start of their journey, mentoring them, and cultivating an experience they’ll remember for the rest of their lives. It’s created a connection to the real estate program that I didn't have before.”
As the study abroad program evolves, Wilson’s involvement remains a constant thread. His passion for mentorship and global learning continues to open doors — both literally and figuratively — for Lehigh students.
In This Image: Visiting a development site on Kevin Street in Dublin 8 district
In This Image: With the team from Quanta Capital outside of their offices on Merrion Square in Dublin 2 district
In This Image: Touring the leisure space at the top of the Clerys Quarter development on O’Connell Street in Dublin 1 district
In This Image: Outside of Dublin’s famous St Patrick’s Cathedral!
In This Image: Shane Whelan of Westridge Real Estate presenting a development project to the students
In This Image: Outside of Leinster House, the seat of the Oireachtas, the parliament of Ireland, after a tour arranged by Mel Sutcliffe of Quanta Capital
