Real Estate Investment Society awards scholarships

FORT MYERS -- The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) proudly announces the award of scholarships to three outstanding students at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) and one at Ave Maria University. REIS awards its annual Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship to FGCU student Charles Shiels while the REIS Scholarship Foundation also awarded scholarships to Nitin (Nate) Sehgal of Ave Maria University and Misael Garcia and Andres Boral of FGCU. 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 Kim Donnelly. “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 educational programs. Our goal is to promote the professionalism of our future business leaders and thereby the economic vitality of our community.”

Charles Shiels is a senior Finance major. Nitin (Nate) Sehgal is a junior, majoring in Marketing and planning to pursue a career in the real estate investment industry. Misael Garcia is a sophomore, majoring in Engineering. Andres Boral is a graduate student in the MBA program and has earned a bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering.

Matt Simmons and Lisa Sands, co-chairs of the REIS scholarship committee, explained that the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship is an endowed FGCU scholarship fund. “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 Matt Simmons, (239) 333-1060, or Lisa Sands, (239) 489-3303 ext. 177.

Foundation scholarships are available to students at FGCU, Ave Maria University, Edison State 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) Matt Simmons, Kim Donnelly and Lisa Sands of the Real Estate Investment Society; Nitin (Nate) Sehgal of Ave Maria University, Misael Garcia, Charles Shiels, and Andres Boral of Florida Gulf Coast University; and FGCU Trustee Doug St. Cerny.