The Rutgers Center for Real Estate is not only teaching and mentoring the next generation of real estate professionals in the state, it is helping them pay for school, too.
The group recently hosted its 4th annual scholarship dinner, where 50 students who received awards ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 over the past two semesters were honored.
The Center for Real Estate has awarded approximately 650 scholarships worth nearly $2 million since its inception in 2014.
Morris Davis, the Paul V. Profeta Chair of Real Estate and the academic director of the center, said the night is made by the generosity of donors, including ICSC/Glenn and Mary Rufrano, the Hasan family, the Inspired Co., the Hampshire Cos. and the Wilf/Tanzman and Kokes families.
“The center awards so many scholarships thanks to the generosity of the advisory board, Leaders Council and the many supporters we have, and we are so grateful to them,” he said.
The scholarships are well-deserved, Davis said.
“This year, we have taught some of the strongest students in the program,” he said. “Several of the students participated in real estate case competitions and won or placed against large, well-known universities.”
Glenn Rufrano, former CEO of VEREIT, president of the ICSC Foundation and one of the most generous donors, agreed.
“Your students are bright, ambitious and eager to succeed, and we are proud to continue our support of the center’s programs and students,” he said.
Lei Lei, dean of Rutgers Business School, said the evening was special.
“The celebration of these scholarship recipients reflects the commitment of Rutgers Business School to reward excellent students,” she said. “It was heartwarming to see the appreciation the students and alumni had for the donors who work closely with the Center for Real Estate.”
Ron Ladell, chair of the board of the Center for Real Estate, and adjunct professor for eight years, said all of the honorees were very deserving.
“It is gratifying to be in an environment of so many students who were honored with scholarship awards, many of whom I taught,” he said. “Each of them was grateful for the scholarship, and their participation with the Center for Real Estate.”
