IREM commits to removing financial barriers to essential industry knowledge

Manhattan, NY The Institute of Real Estate Management (IREM) Foundation scholarships support industry professionals looking to enhance their education through IREM’s world-class offerings. Scholarships are funded by generous IREM members dedicated to supporting the dreams and aspirations of fellow real estate managers. The organization offers four different scholarship options.

Donald Furbush, CPM Scholarship

The purpose of the Furbush Scholarship is to assist recipients with the cost of tuition associated with achieving the CPM (Certified Property Manager) designation. Covers 75% of the member tuition rate for up to three CPM certification courses or exam(s). IREM members or current employees of IREM Accredited Management Organization (AMO) firms.

Furbush was senior vice president for BRE Properties, Inc. of San Francisco, heading the company’s asset management department. He served as IREM president in 1990, which capped a leadership commitment that began as president of the IREM San Francisco Bay Area Chapter. Furbush also held the Counselor of Real Estate (CRE) and the Real Property Administrator (RPA) designations. He was a member of the Society of Real Property Administrators, Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) of San Francisco, and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

Bette Fears, ARM Scholarship

The purpose of the Fears Scholarship is to assist recipients with the cost of tuition associated with achieving the ARM (Accredited Residential Manager) certification. Covers 75% of the member tuition rate for up to three ARM certification courses or exam(s). IREM members or current employees of an IREM AMO firm.

Fears served as the community manager for ParkPlace Apartments in Coeur’Alene, Idaho. ParkPlace Apartments was a member of Tomlinson Black Management Inc., AMO. Fears was an active member of the IREM Inland Northwest Chapter, serving in local and national leadership positions within IREM. As a member of the Foundation’s Scholarship and Grant Committee, Fears brought a sense of caring for all applicants as they exhibited a desire to advance careers in multi-family housing.

Paul Rittle, Sr. Memorial Scholarship

The purpose of the Rittle Memorial Scholarship is to assist recipients with the cost of tuition associated with achieving the ACoM (Accredited Commercial Manager) certification. Covers 75% of the member tuition rate for up to three ACoM certification courses or exam(s). IREM members or current employees of an IREM AMO firm.

Rittle was president of the Pittsburgh real estate firm Rittle-Rosfeld, which he founded in partnership in 1945. He served as IREM president in 1972. He played an active role in local and national real estate organizations, having served as president of the Pittsburgh Board of Realtors in 1966 and chaired the NAREB Make America Better Committee for the state of Pennsylvania. In 1967, he was selected Realtor of the Year by the Pittsburgh Board.

Diversity Scholarship

The purpose of the Diversity Scholarship is to support individuals who identify as belonging to an underrepresented population in achieving career advancement through education and IREM certification. Covers 75% of the member tuition rate for up to three courses or exams in the following categories: ACoM, ARM, CPM, CPM Fast Track fees, or BDM603 (required for company to become an AMO). IREM members or current employees of an IREM AMO firm who identify as belonging to an underrepresented population.

For additional information or to submit an application please visit www.irem.org