This issue’s student spotlight is Burns graduate student Shawn Didde. As a Marine Corps veteran, Shawn has lived and worked in faraway places, but intentionally chose to attend graduate school in his home state of Colorado. While here, Shawn has embraced opportunities to network and excel in grad school, and his interest in sustainable real estate development extends to the global community.
Shawn Didde
Can you share your journey to grad school?
I first started out in the Marine Corps in the intelligence community and, after a couple deployments to the Middle East, I decided that I it was time to leave and finish my undergraduate degree. I attended Columbia University in New York and obtained my degree in sustainable development. Through a unique opportunity in my senior year, I worked with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection on refining their green roof policy and subsequently became interested in real estate development. I saw the intention that was being put into development and policy and, after my experience in the Marines, I understood how community and environment can shape lives. As a Colorado native and someone who enjoys the outdoors, I decided to return to Denver and attend the DU Real Estate and the Built Environment program.
What brought you Daniels and the Burns School?
Growing up in Colorado I had known of the University of Denver and its incredible reputation among the Denver community. In addition to its reputation, I was looking for a program that incorporated real estate development and construction management. The breadth and width of the courses offered, combined with the experience of the professors, made the Burns School an easy choice.
What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I am an avid scuba diver. I have dived in a few different countries and one of my favorite experiences was going to Costa Rica and diving with many different species of sharks, including bull sharks, while learning about the human impact on them through commercial fishing and finning. Through this, I created a short amateur documentary about my experience, and it was entered into the Nature Without Borders Film Festival.
What has been your greatest challenge and lessons learned?
One of my greatest challenges was the completion of my service with the Marines. It was a rewarding time and provided an immense opportunity for growth but came with many challenges. One of the overarching lessons I learned was in interpersonal relationships and how to better foster communication among diverse groups of people.
How does a REBE degree fit into your life’s plans?
The REBE degree provides the basic framework for understanding the built environment, financing and the real estate industry. This plays a pivotal role in my life’s plan of being involved in development projects that create community, social interaction and provide solutions that address unique problems.
What do you like to do in your free time?
As a proper Colorado native, I am an avid skier and have skied throughout the U.S., Canada and Europe. Additionally, I recently got more into mountaineering and have summited a few peaks in Washington state. Lastly, beyond the active side of my personality, I enjoy reading books focused on history, long termism and human nature.