Glenn Rufrano will bring his passion for recruiting and supporting young talent to the ICSC Foundation as its new chair, starting in January. A shrewd dealmaker, merger manager and chief executive at some of the industry’s biggest firms in the past, he is completing a two-term stint as ICSC chair and now is taking on this new challenge.

One initiative Rufrano will help direct is the ICSC Foundation Student Conference Fund, which he is seeding with a $1 million donation. This new fund will provide grants to students to help them attend national and regional ICSC events.

Rufrano knows ICSC events can inspire young people to pursue careers in the Marketplaces Industry, said ICSC Foundation president Lauri Novick. “Coupled with curated student programs, these events provide young people with a significant toolbox of resources, including industry information and trends, industry career paths, structuring of a deal, introductions to industry leaders and networking and professional development skills.”

The Foundation’s student programs have been a hit. The Foundation offered a robust schedule for the 388 students who attended ICSC LAS VEGAS in May, and Novick said they left with a greatly improved understanding of the industry and the career paths available. Among the highlights: booth visits, speed networking, a lunch with retailers, the ICSC & University of North Carolina Retail Real Estate Case Competition, a diversity reception and a student networking reception.

Many students lack the means to attend these events, and they miss out on valuable career-building opportunities, Novick added. The ICSC Foundation Student Conference Fund will ensure they have a chance to attend.

The Foundation is on a mission to make student programs a staple at ICSC events. Grants that cover travel, food and accommodations open doors to knowledge and to opportunities, according to Novick.

Expanding the fund will require bringing in additional sponsors. “Investing in students now will have a huge impact on our industry’s future,” she said. “Plus, doing so can boost your ESG reporting and provide you with a tax deduction.”