The Center for Real Estate and Urban Economic Research is mourning the recent deaths of two beloved retired faculty members who were remembered as outstanding scholars, thoughtful leaders and student advocates.
C.F. Thurmans Jr., a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor and one of the field's leading scholars, served in the Business School for 18 years, including brief stints as interim chair of the Department of Finance and interim dean of the Business School. In addition to his academic pursuits, he played guitar in a rock band and was the head of a large family. He passed away on March 25.
Professor John P. Harding was a second-career professor, an exceptionally dedicated scholar, and known as “the professor's professor.” He was the first colleague faculty turned to for research advice. Professor Harding, who passed away March 21, is also remembered for his kindness, honesty, and compassion.
“These were both giants of the industry, well-respected and all-around outstanding individuals,” Real Estate Center Director David Wharmby said. “I've spoken to alumni and industry insiders, and both are remembered as inspiring educators who loved what they did and mentored many students, including doctoral students working at universities across the country.”
For Professor Chinmoy Ghosh, dean of the School of Finance, which includes the Real Estate Centre, their loss cannot be underestimated.
“The passing of Professors CF Sirmans and John Harding, within days of each other, leaves a void in real estate academia that will never be filled,” said Ghosh. “They were great scholars, colleagues and personal friends. I consider myself extremely fortunate and grateful to have known these two great human beings so closely.”
Sirmans remembered as a prolific researcher
Real Estate Center leaders remember Sirmans, 74, as a distinguished scholar who made a profound impact on real estate, finance and housing. Sirmans served as the center's director from 1991 to 2008 and helped bring the center to global prominence. Sirmans was also the William N. Kinnard Jr. Professor of Real Estate and Finance and served as interim finance chair, associate dean and interim dean of the Business School. In 2005, he was named a Board of Trustees Distinguished Professor.
Sirmans received his PhD in Real Estate and Urban Development from the University of Georgia. His research is in real estate finance and investment, with an emphasis on understanding pricing, investment strategies, and market trends. He has authored over 300 papers that have been cited more than 17,000 times, is the editor of numerous professional journals, and has written three textbooks.
“For more than two decades, CF was my co-author, confidant and trusted personal friend,” Ghosh said. “There was a time when I never took any decision, personal or professional, without consulting him. We shared countless memories over nearly two decades. People think of CF as a great scholar, but he was also a wise administrator, fair, assertive and compassionate. CF was an institution without equal.”
Wharmby, who credits Sirmans as one of his mentors during his graduate school days, agrees.
“His contributions to the real estate and finance industries are unparalleled,” Wharmby said. In addition to the University of Connecticut, he has served as faculty or visiting scholar at nine universities in the U.S. and abroad.
“He was a very modest, down-to-earth guy,” Wharmby said. “He was a giant of his industry. He was kind, enthusiastic and truly caring. He had time for everyone and especially enjoyed helping students with their careers.”
Sirmans is survived by his wife, Elaine, six children, 16 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. His daughter, Eleanor (Tice) Sirmans, was a visiting assistant professor of health care management and insurance at the University of Connecticut in 2017.
Sirmans and his wife were deeply religious and active in their churches, and in recent years ran an addiction recovery program near their home. Sirmans also played guitar in a rock band and occasionally at conferences. All of Sirmans' grandchildren inherited their guitars from him, Wharmby said.
Harding is remembered as a leading educator
Harding, 78, was a second-career professor at the University of Connecticut, where he taught real estate and finance from 1996 to 2013. Colleagues remember him as a dedicated and accomplished scholar who was passionate about his work.
“There are many types of professors,” says Tom O'Brien, professor emeritus of finance. “John didn't just present his research; he sought to know and understand the subject. He was a dedicated scholar. When I had a question that my research couldn't answer, I went to him. His teachings certainly had a profound effect on students. He was an all-around first-rate educator.”
Harding comes to academia after a notable career in the finance industry, having previously worked for U.S. Steel, the Federal Reserve Bank, Fannie Mae, National Permanent Bank, HF Holdings Corporation, and Freddie Mac.
At UConn, he focused his research on mortgage valuation and home affordability, receiving the Ackerman Award twice for research excellence as well as numerous other industry awards, and was popular with students and colleagues for his depth of knowledge and focus on relevance.
Wharmby said Harding always had a warm smile on his face and was friendly, honest and respectful to everyone he met. Ghosh described Harding as one of the most honest, knowledgeable and conscientious people he had ever known.
Harding, who lived in Tolland, earned his doctorate from the University of California, Berkeley. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Nancy, and their four children and their families. In his obituary, his family said he will be remembered for his kindness, gentleness, compassion and honesty.
The two faculty members will be honored at the Real Estate Center banquet on April 18 at the Graduate Storrs Hotel.