RioCan Supports Schulich’s Newest Graduate Students
Company pledges $75,000 to real estate and infrastructure scholarship
As the largest real estate investment trust in Canada, RioCan invests generously in the communities where it does business. But the company’s definition of “community” has grown with their latest investment — a $25,000 entrance scholarship for students of Schulich’s new Master of Real Estate and Infrastructure (MREI) program.
“Our people set us apart and we are proud to make an investment in developing our talent pool and the future of this industry”, explains Stuart Baum, RioCan’s vice president of human resources.
RioCan has committed a total of $75,000 over three years to the RioCan Scholarship, which will be awarded to one top MREI student a year. Launching in 2017, Schulich’s MREI program builds on the School’s more than 25-year-old program in real estate and infrastructure. The one-of-a-kind graduate program will include a common curriculum over the first two semesters, followed by an internship and an opportunity to specialize in either real estate or infrastructure.
In addition to the scholarship, RioCan plans to support MREI students with up to two fully-paid internships a year. The company is also committed to building on its longstanding relationship with Schulich by creating more opportunities for students to connect with RioCan executives, a significant number of whom are Schulich alumni.
“I think of this as a natural combination — a great real estate company backing a great real estate program,” says Andre Kuzmicki, Schulich’s MREI director. “It’s good for both parties and is a terrific indicator to incoming MREI students that marvelous opportunities lie ahead.”
“We’re excited to have a real estate and infrastructure program in the GTA that helps more great students graduate,” agrees Baum. “The program’s twin focus on real estate and infrastructure is a direct reflection of how RioCan has and will continue to evolve”
The inaugural RioCan Scholarship will be awarded to an incoming MREI student this January.