David H. Stevens, CMB, Real Estate Legacy Scholarship

David H. Stevens, CMB^® was the former Federal Housing Commissioner during the Obama Administration, former President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association, and champion for advancing equitable outcomes within the real estate finance industry. Affectionately known as Dave, he was larger than life and an industry icon whose quest for knowledge and pursuit of excellence was infinite. Our hearts were broken when Dave unexpectedly passed away in January 2024.

The David H. Stevens, CMB^® Real Estate Legacy Scholarship was established in 2024 to enshrine his legacy and to foster a more inclusive and equitable real estate finance industry.

Scholarship Key Details

• A total of $50,000 will be awarded each year through two (2) $25,000 scholarships.
• MBA’s Board of Directors has approved funding of the scholarship through 2034, marking a ten (10) year commitment and investment in the future of our industry.
• Recipients will be chosen from an applicant pool of MBA CREF Fellows (current and alum participants) and Center for Financial Advancement (CFA^®) scholars (current and alum participants) who can submit a complete application package that will include a short application, short essay, transcripts, and a letter of recommendation.
• Will be awarded to rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors (those entering their sophomore, junior, or senior year at the time of application) or graduate students.
• Eligible students are pursuing an accredited undergraduate or graduate degree in real estate, have career goals in real estate finance, and have engaged in related coursework, campus activities (e.g., real estate clubs, housing oversight), or professional development such as internships.

Three Important Milestones

1. Residential/CFA application period for 2025: mid-April – August 2025
2. CREF Fellows application period for 2026: September 2025 – December 2025
3. Awards will be announced annually in conjunction with MBA’s Annual Convention each October and at MBA’s CREF Convention each February.

Additional Details

• Student family members of current MBA employees, current interns, etc., are ineligible to apply.
• Scholarship recipients are limited to one award and will become ineligible to apply after receiving the scholarship once.