Real Estate Investment Society awards scholarships

FORT MYERS -- The Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) proudly announces the award of the annual Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship to Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) student Krista Swift. The scholarship provides $2,000 toward tuition and books. In addition, the REIS Scholarship Foundation awarded $1,500 scholarships to FGCU student John Doherty and Ave Maria University student Brandon Barnes.

These outstanding scholars also receive honorary membership in REIS for one year and 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 Matt Simmons. “The REIS scholarship programs represent our commitment to our professions 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.”

Krista Swift is a student at FGCU, planning to study real estate. John Doherty is majoring in Finance with a minor in Real Estate and plans a career in appraisal and development. He is currently working at Capstone Valuation Advisors. Brandon Barnes is in the class of 2018 at Ave Maria University and also plays on the varsity basketball team.

Mark Morris and Bob Bassett, co-chairs of the REIS scholarship committee, explain that the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship is an endowed FGCU scholarship fund. Continuing contributions from REIS and the annual Slaw Dog Invitational Golf Tournament have increased and sustained the fund. The REIS Scholarship Foundation is a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation, supported by contributions from the real estate and business community, with scholarships offered to students at several area universities and colleges.

Information on contributing to either of the REIS scholarship programs is available at the REIS web site: www.reis-swfl.org or Mark Morris, (239) 489-3303 extension 175. Criteria, school contacts, and other information on the program are also available at the REIS web site.

(from left) Mark Morris, Real Estate Investment Society Scholarship Chair; Christopher Westley, Director of Regional Economic Research Institute at FGCU; scholars John Doherty and Krista Swift; and Tim Allen and Shelton Weeks, professors at Lutgert College of Business at FGCU..