Real Estate Investment Society awards scholarships

(from left) Real Estate Investment Society President Bill Morris, Tania Vega-Arreola, and Scholarship Chair Bev Larson.

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) students Justin Fiorello, Cydnee Sims, and Tania Vega-Arreola.  The scholarships 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 develop relationships with members of the business community,” explained REIS President Bill Morris. “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.” 

(from left) Real Estate Investment Society President Bill Morris, Scholarship Chair Bev Larson, and Justin Fiorello.

Justin Fiorello is a sophomore, majoring in Entrepreneurship and minoring in Real Estate. He operates successful YouTube and Instagram channels and looks forward to applying those ventures to real estate marketing.  Cydnee Sims is a senior, majoring in Finance, with a minor in Real Estate.  She also works at the university and officiating sporting events.  Tania Vega-Arreola is a senior, majoring in Accounting and minoring in Real Estate.  She plans to pursue a master’s degree and become a certified public accountant with a focus on real estate.

Bev Larson, chair of the REIS scholarship committee, explain that the Paul Sands Memorial – REIS Scholarship is an endowed FGCU scholarship program, funded by REIS Scholarship Foundation, a not-for-profit, registered 501(c)3 corporation.  Continuing contributions from REIS and the annual Paul Sands Memorial Slaw Dog Invitational Golf Tournament have increased and sustained the fund. 

Information on contributing to the REIS scholarship program is available at the REIS web site:  www.reis-swfl.org or Bev Larson, (239) 689-7174.  Criteria, school contacts, and other information on the program are also available at the REIS web site.