Bulletin FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, MARCH 22, 2011:
FORT MYERS -- The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) proudly announces the award of scholarships to four outstanding students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU). REIS awards its annual endowed FGCU scholarship to Clayton Belger while the REIS Scholarship Foundation also awarded scholarships to Tyler Minix, Daniel Boucinha, and Shanti Duggan. Each scholarship provides $1,000 toward tuition and books.
In addition, each scholar receives honorary membership in REIS for one year where they may attend meetings on a complimentary basis. “We welcome these outstanding scholars to join us, to learn about the area’s commercial real estate industry, and develop relationships with members of the business community,” explained REIS President Kevin M. Fitzgerald. “The REIS scholarship programs represent our commitment to our profession and our community. We support student interest in business by providing financial assistance for their higher education and welcoming them to participate in our meetings and workshops. Our goal is to promote the professionalism of our future business leaders and thereby the economic vitality of our community.”
Clayton Belger is working towards his Masters degree in Business Administration, concentrating on Finance. He has earned his BA in Finance and Real Estate from Florida State and is currently working for First American Bank in Naples.
Tyler Minix is a senior, majoring in Finance. He has already earned his mortgage broker’s license and plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Real Estate before beginning a career in real estate.
A former construction worker, Daniel Boucinha is a senior, majoring in Political Science with minors in Economics and Real Estate. He has been on the Dean’s List every semester and is striving to attend law school and become a real estate attorney.
Following three years in the Engineering program at University of South Florida, Shanti Duggan is now a senior at FGCU, majoring in Finance. She intends to pursue a career in real estate development, redevelopment, and management.
Matt Simmons, chairman of the REIS scholarship committee, explained that the endowed FGCU scholarship award is an annual event. “The program was funded initially with a $5,000 endowment from REIS, which was matched by the State of Florida’s Ethics and Business Scholarship Program. The scholarship fund is structured to continue in perpetuity. Applicants must be graduates of a Southwest Florida high school and have completed the freshman year of college. They must also be enrolled in the School of Business.” Students interested in applying for scholarships may do so by contacting the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office (FASO) of Florida Gulf Coast University. Qualified applicants are reviewed by the university scholarship committee and the REIS Board of Governors.
The REIS Scholarship Foundation is a non-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation which provides an opportunity for REIS members and others in the business community to make charitable donations to support worthy students at area colleges and universities. REIS manages the Scholarship Foundation and underwrites all operating costs, which allows 100% of donations to be distributed in scholarships. Information on contributing to the REIS Scholarship Foundation is available at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org or from Scholarship Chairman Matt Simmons, (239) 333-1060.
Foundation scholarships are available to students at FGCU, Edison College, Hodges University, and Southwest Florida College. Criteria, school contacts, and other information on the program are also available at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org.
PHOTO CAPTION: (from left) FGCU students Tyler Minix and Daniel Boucinha, Professor Shelton Weeks, PhD, REIS President Kevin M. Fitzgerald, and FGCU students Clayton Belger and Shanti Duggan at the REIS March luncheon.