Reichard Capital CEO Donates $5 million to Elevate Gies Business Real Estate Program
April 28, 2025 08:58 AMGies 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, a 2006 University of Illinois alumnus with a degree in agricultural 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.