MIAMI—Jorge Pérez is an icon in Miami. Now, he's getting recognition from Cornell University. Cornell Real Estate Review (CRER) has picked Pérez, CEO and chairman of Related Group, to receive its Real Estate Industry Leader Award for 2014.

The award recognizes people who have demonstrated transformational leadership in the real estate industry. Cornell says it's CRER's top honor, given to exceptional leaders whose influence and integrity have created a lasting legacy within the industry.

"Jorge Pérez is the perfect choice for this distinguished award,” says Kent Kleinman, the Gale and Ira Drukier Dean of the College of Architecture, Art and Planning at Cornell. “He has not only brought leading architects to design projects that have transformed urban communities, but is a force for advancing cultural activity nationally. As a past board member of the NEA, a renowned collector, and a dedicated patron of the fine arts, Mr. Pérez is rightly considered a visionary for our urban future."