The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) Foundation honored several industry leaders and volunteers during its Celebration of Service, held as part of ICSC LAS VEGAS on May 19. The event recognized the significant contributions made by individuals who have supported the foundation’s mission through mentorship, leadership, and community engagement.
The recognition highlights the ongoing importance of service in supporting students and strengthening connections within the retail real estate industry. Honorees were celebrated for their efforts to make the field more accessible and inclusive for emerging talent.
PREIT executive chair Glenn Rufrano, a former chair of both ICSC and the ICSC Foundation, was honored alongside Beverly Ricks, owner and principal at Retail Property Solutions. Ricks is a former member of both the ICSC Board of Trustees and the ICSC Foundation Board of Directors. Both were acknowledged for their lasting contributions to students, leadership excellence, and stewardship within the foundation.
Other honorees included Lane Chaplin, recognized for his consistent volunteerism at conferences nationwide and commitment to mentoring students; Evie Gross, who supports fellowship programs through mentorship and philanthropy; Jillian Klein, known for her proactive approach in professional development workshops; Jennifer Skiba, whose outreach expanded student engagement in Michigan; and Kien Tsoi, celebrated for his enthusiastic involvement as a mentor at events such as ICSC LAS VEGAS.
Each honoree was noted for fostering opportunities that connect education with industry experience. Their efforts include shadowing experiences, speed networking sessions, scholarship judging, conference-based programming, campus outreach initiatives, virtual sessions with students about internships or career readiness programs—and philanthropy tied directly to student support.
The 2026 Celebration of Service underscored how individual commitment can help ensure continued growth within retail real estate by keeping it open to new generations. According to organizers at ICSC Foundation events like these play an important role in maintaining strong links between education providers—and employers—while helping prepare future professionals.
