$10 million gift for real estate research center from Andrew Tavakoli

The USC Marshall School of Business has received a $10 million gift to establish a center for real estate education and research, university officials announced.

The gift was presented by Andrew Tavakoli, chief executive and principal of Tavaco Properties.

Tavakoli graduated from USC Marshall with a master of science degree in business administration in 1986.

The university said the Andrew Tavakoli Center for Real Estate at USC Marshall is expected to be a hub where students, researchers, and industry leaders can connect and innovate “to create a better and more sustainable urban future in Los Angeles and around the world.”

Tavakoli’s gift will create a real estate chair, an endowed scholarship, and matching funds to boost support for USC Marshall’s real estate programs, according to the school.

“The real estate industry is vast, complex, and rapidly evolving,” Tavakoli said in a statement.

“The next generation of leaders in this field must master their specific niches while also understanding broader market dynamics. The center will serve as a gateway to these diverse opportunities. Those who are certain they want to pursue a career in real estate will know where to go and will have multiple pathways to choose from.”