The Fitzgerald Institute for Real Estate was established in 2016 with the aim to become a leading academic institute for the multidisciplinary study of real estate. FIRE launched the minor in real estate in conjunction with Mendoza College of business in 2019, and the first class of students earning the minor in real estate graduated in 2021.
The program quickly grew to over 500 students, with 100-150 students graduating with a minor in real estate each year. In 2025, students from over 25 different majors representing all six undergraduate colleges were enrolled in the minor.
Since inception, the institute's flagship event has been the FIRE Fall Kickoff (held each year on the Friday before the first home game). Over 300 industry professionals, students, and scholars participate in this one-day conference each year.
FIRE sponsors research grants across the university, and advances and promotes mission-driven initiatives, including the Church Properties Initiative, and convening scholars and practitioners to address housing affordability.
The University of Notre Dame launched the Institute due to a generous gift from Edward J. Fitzgerald and Kathryn S. Fitzgerald:
Edward (Ward) earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Notre Dame ('85) and an MBA from Harvard University ('89). He is the CEO and founder of ExCorde Capital, a private equity firm specializing in real estate debt and equity markets. With decades of experience in global real estate and investment management, Ward has established himself as a leader in the industry, known for his innovation, strategic vision, and dedication to delivering value.
Ward and his wife Kathy (Penn State '87) are committed to community philanthropy focused on Catholic education, homelessness, and medical research. They have funded medical research grants for the Ehlers-Danlos Society, Dysautonomia Society, numerous U.S. hospitals, and universities including the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza in San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy. The Fitzgeralds are also members of The Papal Foundation, and Ward served as a Vice-Chair for the World Meeting of Families in 2015, for which Ward and Kathy were named Knight/Dame Grand Cross in the Order of Saint Gregory the Great. The couple has three children: Francie (ND '17), Maggie (Northwestern '18), and Teddy (ND '21).