Building on the extraordinary achievements of its inaugural scholars, Kimco Realty for a second year will fund 10 Milton Cooper Trailblazer in Real Estate Award scholarships through the ICSC Foundation. The company’s $110,000 donation will support outstanding students in the 2024-25 academic year, highlighting Kimco’s sustained commitment to developing the next generation of industry leaders.
“The first Milton Cooper Trailblazer scholars blew us away with their talent, drive and fresh perspectives on the future of retail real estate,” said Kimco Realty president and chief investment officer Ross Cooper. “Their passion for innovation and commitment to community building were truly inspiring. We look forward to meeting the next round of recipients and continuing our pledge to help cultivate the industry’s future innovators.”
Kimco Realty president and chief investment officer Ross Cooper and vice president of marketing and communications Jennifer Maisch attended the ICSC Foundation’s Scholar Breakfast at ICSC LAS VEGAS in May 2023, along with eight of the 10 inaugural Milton Cooper Trailblazer in Real Estate Award recipients. Standing are The University of Texas at Austin’s Rashad Punjani, Maisch, Cooper, The Ohio State University’s Grace Donaldson, The University of Mississippi’s Jaylin Jones and University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Clarke Mouw. Seated are The University of Tennessee Knoxville’s Connor Reed, Florida State University’s Juan Pulido, UCLA’s Sunny Kim and University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Jordyn Dellis.
Each selected student will receive a $10,000 scholarship, plus mentorship from industry professionals and an all-expenses-paid trip to ICSC LAS VEGAS, the premier event for commercial real estate professionals. Kimco added $1,000 to each scholarship to cover travel expenses. Additionally, recipients will receive complimentary ICSC Student Membership, which provides exclusive access to networking opportunities and resources to propel their careers in this evolving field.
“We encourage students with a passion for innovation and a commitment to building thriving marketplaces to apply and join this esteemed community of future leaders,” said ICSC Foundation president Lauri Novick. Eligible applicants must be full-time undergraduate or graduate students enrolled at an accredited university in fall 2024 with a minimum GPA of 3.0. They must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Students from underrepresented backgrounds — including racial/ethnic minorities, women, veterans, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities — are encouraged to apply.
The application period for the 2024-25 Milton Cooper Trailblazer in Real Estate Awards and for 16 other general scholarships totaling $228,000 will close on Feb. 28. Students can apply online for the Milton Cooper Trailblazer in Real Estate Awards here and can click here to see and apply for the Foundation’s other scholarship offerings.
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By Brannon Boswell
Executive Editor, Commerce + Communities Today