John A. Vickers ’85

I wouldn’t be where I am now or have so many opportunities if not for Columbia Business School. I feel it’s my duty to give back to the next generation.

How Columbia Shaped His Career

“I was introduced to Tishman Realty when they gave a company presentation at Columbia during my first year. That led to a summer job. When Tishman asked me to stay on after the summer, Columbia worked with me so that I could take all my classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It turned out to be a great experience, as I was able to combine classroom theory with real-world experience. Without Columbia’s corporate connections and New York location, I never would have been able to do this.”

Why He Gives Back

“Real estate is probably one of the most difficult things to teach without practical input. Columbia gives you this New York experience, where you can tour real estate projects, meet with alumni in your field, and go on job interviews. There’s nothing like it, but it only works if alumni become a resource for the School.”