Real Estate Investment Society awards scholarship
The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) proudly announces the award of the annual Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarships to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) students Karen Vilorio Muchnik and Pamela Perez. Each scholarship provides $2,500 toward tuition and books. Both scholars also receive honorary membership in REIS for one year where they may attend meetings on a complimentary basis. “We welcome 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 Steve Hurley. “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.” Karen Vilorio Muchnik is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Finance with a minor in Real Estate, with the ambition of following a career in real estate development. Pamela Perez is majoring in Business Management with a minor in Economics. She is looking forward to a career advising real estate investors and homeowners in Southwest Florida. 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.” Continuing contributions from REIS and the annual Slaw Dog Invitational Golf Tournament have significantly increased the fund. 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. 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. Criteria, school contacts, and other information on the program are also available at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org.