Gies College of Business has received a $5 million gift from alumnus Nate Reichard, CEO of Reichard Capital. In recognition, the Real Estate Finance Academy will be renamed the “Reichard Real Estate Academy.”​

Launched in 2023, the Academy offers a five-semester program emphasizing industry-integrated experiences in commercial real estate. Reichard’s contribution aims to expand applied learning, industry mentorship, and student access, strengthening the pipeline of career-ready graduates.​

“We believe we are entering a new era of real estate investing—one that demands proactive forward-thinking, adaptability, and a strong commitment to education,” said Reichard (right), a 2006 Gies Business alumnus with a degree in accountancy. “Our contribution reflects our dedication to supporting future leaders in this dynamic field.”​

Directed by Adjunct Instructor of Finance Seth Briggs, who brings more than 30 years of commercial real estate experience, the Academy focuses on hands-on training and strong industry connections.

"We’re not just teaching students how to analyze deals; we’re showing them how the industry really works,” Briggs said. “They’re getting ready for a job by doing the job. Through the Reichard Real Estate Academy, students gain access to a network of firms and professionals as well as connections that open doors to internships and career paths they might not have otherwise discovered. The best firms know that our students are ready to roll up their sleeves and contribute."

The gift also underscores a shared commitment to creating awareness for women who seek careers in the real estate industry. Reichard emphasized, “This partnership reflects our shared commitment to entrepreneurship and expanding opportunities for underrepresented voices in the real estate industry.”​

“This infusion of support from our generous alumnus is going to help us continue to reach many more generations of future real estate professionals,” said W. Brooke Elliott, Josef and Margot Lakonishok Professor in Business and Dean of Gies College of Business.​ “We have been known as a premier destination for real estate education since the 1950s, and I can’t wait to begin the next chapter thanks to this investment from Nate Reichard. In the two short years since its launch, the Academy is already reaching talented students and preparing them to succeed as purpose-driven business leaders.”

For more information, visit the Gies College of Business website and the Reichard Capital website.

About Gies College of Business
Gies College of Business provides a world-class educational experience for the next generation of business leaders. For more than 100 years, the College has delivered on the promise of innovation in business education, with a commitment to cutting-edge curriculum design and delivery, exceptional experiential learning opportunities, and unparalleled academic excellence. Today Gies faculty prepare more than 11,000 on-campus and online learners to be at the forefront of innovation and leadership in the global economy. GiesBusiness.illinois.edu

About Reichard Capital, LLC
Reichard Capital, headquartered in Chicago, IL is a private equity firm launching a national real estate platform focused on multifamily and build-to-rent (BTR) communities as well as complementary sectors. The company believes in the long-term value in real estate ownership, which is created through market selection and the systems that support how people live, work, and thrive. Reichard’s track record of investing in real estate has proven that for-rent housing, insurance, technology, construction and education verticals are interconnected. The company has a diverse network of investors, partners, residents, and professional service providers, delivering tailored strategy with the goal of maximizing value.

About Nate Reichard
Nate is the founder and CEO of Reichard Capital, LLC.  In his capacity he drives the Company’s overall strategic vision and direction. Nate has approximately 20 years in the real estate, insurance and capital markets industries.  Nate has distinguished himself as a successful entrepreneur by managing a portfolio of almost $1 billion of transactional volume with differentiated business strategies. Nate is poised to gain inspiration from his family’s legacy in construction as Reichard Capital seeks to institutionalize its capital formation strategy and its affiliated companies.