As you may be aware by now, Gerald D. Hines, founder and chairman of Hines, passed away peacefully over the weekend at the age of 95.

It is impossible to overstate Gerry’s contribution both to the real estate industry and to ULI. He was a true visionary who shaped our industry over many decades and was an inspiration and role model to so many of us as we have built our own careers. The scale of his professional achievement is truly impressive, transforming a business he started in 1957 into an international organization that develops and owns world-class buildings in 25 countries. On the big issues of the day whether they be sustainability, placemaking or urban design, Gerry was always somebody to whom the industry looked for leadership.

Gerry was a passionate ULI member for over 60 years who demonstrated his commitment to our mission, time and time again. A Life Trustee, a ULI Foundation Governor, and a member of the Marcus Vitruvius Society (ULI’s highest level of giving), plus a ULI board member for 20 years, he gave freely of his time, talent, and treasure. He was recognized in 2002 as the winner of the ULI Prize for Visionaries in Urban Development, and immediately used the award as a springboard to generously endow the ULI Hines Student Urban Design Competition, encouraging the next generation of real estate leaders. He also shared his insights with others by speaking in many product council sessions or Spring and Fall Meetings and by participating in award juries.

ULI owes a huge debt of gratitude to Gerry for his many decades of service to our Institute and our mission. We will, of course, be recognizing him more fully in our various publications, programs and events in the weeks and months to come. In the meantime, our thoughts and condolences are with his wife, Barbara; his children; his grandchildren; and his great-grandson.