Golf tournament funds FGCU scholarship

REIS Scholarship Chair Bev Larson, REIS governor and FGCU professor Shelton Weeks, tournament director Lisa Sands and REIS Vice President Josh Philpott present the check from the Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog invitational. COURTESY PHOTO

The 27th annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog invitational golf tournament and major sponsor Rockstar Harley-Davidson donated $35,000 for the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship program at Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU).

The program funds scholarships for outstanding students pursuing degrees in real estate, finance, engineering and construction management. The presentation took place at the Real Estate Investment Society (REIS) February luncheon.

The scholarships each provide $2,500 toward tuition and books. 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 to develop relationships with members of the business community,” explained REIS President Justin Thibaut. “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.”

The Real Estate Investment Society established the permanent scholarship fund with FGCU in 1999 with a $10,000 endowment. In 2011 it was named the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship in memory of REIS member and governor Paul Sands. A portion of proceeds from the annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog invitational golf tournament are added to the scholarship fund each year. In 2006, REIS also established the REIS Scholarship Foundation, a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)(3) corporation that provides an opportunity to make charitable donations. REIS provides management of the Foundation, allowing 100% of donations to be awarded as scholarships. ¦

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