Jeffrey R. Gural ‘64 describes himself as a people person. He credits his ability to connect with people—as well as the analytical skills honed in earning his civil engineering degree—for his success in the real estate business. Gural is chairman of Newmark and Company Real Estate in Manhattan, one of the largest independent real estate service providers in the United States.
With President Jackson at a recent Presidential Roundtable discussion on the Troy campus, Gural made some new connections as he shared career and business advice with a group of students, including three of the four Patroon Scholars he and his wife, Paula, support through the Rensselaer Annual Fund: Megan Anderson ‘08, Michael Milligan ‘08, and Franklin Wong ‘08.
“For Paula and me, the best part of being involved with philanthropy is the opportunity to have a personal impact on people’s lives,” said Gural. “I enjoy knowing that my gift to Rensselaer is making a difference to these bright young people who are about to begin their careers. It was a pleasure to spend time with them.”
A gift to the Patroon Scholars Program of the Rensselaer Annual Fund helps to support one or more undergraduate students throughout their stay at Rensselaer. This support is especially critical in recruiting and retaining highly qualified students from diverse intellectual, geographic, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Contributors to the program receive regular information about students they are helping and, wherever possible, take advantage of opportunities to meet with their scholars.
“Knowing that our giving is making a difference in educating those who will follow us is a great feeling,” noted Gural. “I hope that I can continue to be a resource for these students as they get ready to start their careers. Paula and I encourage others to get involved with the Patroon Scholars program at Rensselaer.”
Trustee Nick Donofrio ‘67, chair for the scholarship and fellowship fundraising efforts at Rensselaer, encourages you to contact Bill Shumway for more information.