Weinstein gift helping build next generation of real estate professionals

Howard Weinstein devoted his life to the real estate industry – leading a successful career and mentoring countless students and up-and-coming real estate professionals so they could do the same. Now thanks to lead gifts by Howard’s family, Mark (’89) and Kathy Weinstein, and Hope (’93) and Jeffrey (’90) Shamberg, the Howard Weinstein Real Estate Fund will ensure that legacy lives on for generations to come.

The Howard Weinstein Real Estate Fund supports the Real Estate Program in the Department of Finance at Gies College of Business. Specifically, it focuses on programs and activities for students studying real estate by funding student-related activities organized by, sponsored by, or for the benefit of members of Rho Epsilon. Founded in 1954, Rho Epsilon is the University of Illinois’ student real estate association, providing students with guest speakers, networking events, and scholarship opportunities.

“Our dad had a major impact on so many careers, and he was always there to mentor and offer support,” said Howard’s son Mark Weinstein, now an MAI-certified appraiser in suburban Chicago. “We really wanted to honor our father, and to have a fund that’s involved with something my dad was part of means a lot to us and to our families.”

A legend in the Chicago real estate community, Howard Weinstein served as president, CEO, and co-owner of Rubloff Inc., directing the firm’s tremendous growth. Rubloff’s residential brokerage was known for its luxury representation and some of the city’s high-producing agents. The company became Prudential Rubloff and was eventually acquired by HomeServices of America, the largest residential real estate brokerage in the nation and a subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

His distinguished career with Rubloff began in 1965 when he joined the company’s management and leasing group. He managed a portfolio of six million feet of commercial properties and was involved with major projects and high-profile properties in Chicago and around the country. Through it all, Weinstein stayed connected with the University of Illinois’ Gies College of Business during his career, serving on the Dean’s Business Council and as an alumni member of Rho Epsilon.

“From the time we were kids, he always took us down to the U of I for football games and other events. The business school and Rho Epsilon had a huge impact on his life,” said Weinstein’s daughter, Hope, a licensed clinical social worker. “It makes me feel proud to honor him in a lasting way. My dad had such a good heart. He was a mentor and a friend. We’re proud to give back to a school and a field that he loved.”

"Howard's story is one shining example of the many accomplishments of our alumni in the real estate industry, not only in Chicago, but also nationally,” said Louis K.C. Chan, Hoeft Professor of Business and chair of the Department of Finance at Gies. “I'm certain our students can benefit enormously from the opportunities generated by alumni such as Mark and Hope, whether this comes in the form of scholarships, mentoring, or placement." 

The Howard Weinstein Real Estate Fund will support educational experiences for students in Rho Epsilon. Whether it’s helping with travel to real estate conferences, attracting to industry speakers, or acquiring leading-edge real estate software, the Fund will help provide a vibrant and life-changing educational training ground so students can launch successful careers in real estate – just as Howard Weinstein would have wanted.

“Just knowing the impact that Gies College of Business and the University of Illinois had on my dad – and also knowing the great number of Rho Epsilon students who are interested in real estate,” said Mark. “It makes me feel proud that they’re able to use the money to kick start purposeful careers.”

Contributions or pledges of support to the Howard Weinstein Real Estate Fund at Gies College of Business at the University of Illinois (FUND #776395), can be made by visiting go.gies.illinois.edu/Ways-to-Give or contacting the Office of Advancement at 217-244-6669. If you wish to make a gift by mail, make checks payable to “University of Illinois Foundation / Howard Weinstein Real Estate Fund” and mail to the following address: University of Illinois Foundation, PO Box 734500, Chicago, IL 60673-4500. Please include the fund number on your check.