Don Tait Scholarship

 

Don Tait Memorial Scholarship

THE SCHOLARSHIP CAN BE APPLIED TO COURSES OFFERED BY BOMI & BOMA INCLUDING RPA, SMA, FMA, CMCP, Foundations of Real Estate Management and others.

The scholarship was created in honor of Donald "Don" Reid Tait, a longtime BOMA Austin Member and Past President, passed away in, August of 2017.

Don graduated from Harlingen High School and earned college degrees from Southwest Texas State College and the University of Missouri. He spent his first few years out of school teaching Spanish at the Virginia Military Institute. After moving back to Austin, Don met the love of his life, Judy. They married in September of 1975.

Don spent his long and successful career in the real estate industry specializing in property management. Before retiring, Don achieved multiple professional designations and awards, including the coveted TOBY Award for International Building of the Year. Don had a passion for mentoring and investing in the lives of others. Colleagues, employees, vendors, and students were all recipients of Don’s humble leadership and service.

Don is survived by his wife, Judy Tait; his daughters, Shannon Tait and Kim Collins; and his grandchildren, Ethan Smith, Caden Collins, Cameron Collins, and Caroline Collins. Don was a longtime member of Hyde Park Baptist Church where he and Judy raised their family. He was an avid and talented tennis player, playing through college and representing the Woodshots City League in Austin. Don’s family knew him as a loving husband, an amazing and involved father, and as “GranDon” to his 4 grandchildren. Don loved to share his passion of travel and golf with his family, who adored him without measure.

The Building Owners and Managers Association of Austin is committed to providing all persons equal opportunity to programs, facilities and employment.We are honored to facilitate these scholarships in honor of Don.

If you are interested in supporting this program, please contact the Emerging Professionals Committee Chair!

 

Who is Eligible?

  • Employees of a BOMA Austin Principal Member or Associate Member Company.
  • Self-supporting students (not receiving tuition reimbursement). However, if employer pays a portion, application may be made for the balance.
  • Scholarship will be awarded to an individual only once.

How to Apply

  • Submit a completed scholarship application
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from employer (one page typed).
  • Submit a letter of recommendation from any of the following: (one page typed)
    • BOMA Trustee
    • Person who has achieved a similar designation.
    • Community leader (minister, community project chairman, officer or director non-profit real estate or civic association).
  • Submit a brief personal letter describing applicants’ professional background and current involvement in BOMA and other professional or civic organizations, why applicant is seeking a designation, and why applicant is applying for the scholarship.
  • Be able/willing to participate in a personal interview if deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

Recipient Requirements

  • Classes can be taken in a classroom setting through BOMA Austin or Self Study/Online Instructor Led through BOMI.
  • Must be willing to have BOMA contact current employer and/or references regarding verification of submission.
  • Recipient will be awarded full registration for a BOMI sanctioned course leading to the BOMI or BOMA designation or certification.
  • The Scholarship is exclusive of any and all other fees related to obtaining a designation, including designation enrollment fees, etc.
  • Scholarship will be applied to registration once receipt is received for reimbursement - payment within 30 days.
  • Scholarship must be used within one year of being awarded the scholarship.

How the Selection is Made

The following will be evaluated by the Professional Development Committee in determining the scholarship recipient:

  • Desire to achieve BOMI or BOMA professional designation/cerfication as explained in the personal letter.
  • Financial need of the participant as explained in the personal letter.
  • Participation in BOMA or other related organizations.
  • Civic participation.
  • Education and other professional experience.
  • Two letters of recommendation (From employer and one related to either professional or community involvement).
  • Presentation in a personal interview. (as needed)

 

Apply Today!