BY DONNA KLEIN, nyarm
On Thursday, April 15, 1999 the students of class X63.9036, Supervisory Skills for Managing Residential and Cooperative Properties met for the last time. The class is one of seven courses offered in the NYARM certification program at New York University’s School of Continuing Education, The Real Estate Institute. The teacher of the course is Otis Jones, Deputy Commissioner of NYS DHCR, honorary member of NYARM and NYARM manager board member.
Unbeknownst to Otis, the sixteen members of his Thursday night class had banded together to offer him a small token of their esteem. An engraved plaque was presented to Otis after the class took their final. Needless to say, Otis was touched and thrilled with the recognition and respect the students bestowed upon him.
The plaque reads:
In appreciation of
Commissioner Otis M. Jones
For your guidance in the field of
Property Management
We are honored to be the couriers of your
Knowledge
1999 Spring Class
NYU
The letter that the students wrote is as heartfelt as you can find.
Dear Commissioner Jones:
It is indeed a pleasure to convey the class’ respect and admiration for such a distinguished and accomplished individual.
On rare occasions, there emerges an individual who has the ability, compassion and dedication to enhance his role as a dedicated member of his profession and to convey its nuances onto the next generation.
You have given generously and selflessly of your time and energy to the ideals which support and develop the principles of property management. Professionalism and preparedness are the hallmarks of these principles.
On behalf of all your students, thank you for caring enough to make a difference in each one of our lives. As we strive to follow in your professional footsteps, we will be the keepers of your flame.
Warmest regards,
NYU Spring Class of 1999
The letter was signed by the 16 members of the class. Six of those students recently became NYARM members and we are confident it was because of Otis’ influence.
Organizations such as NYARM need members that prompt people to strive for more and reach for a higher goal. NYARM joins the Supervisory Skills class in honoring and saluting Otis Jones.