Bequests

By generously including Marist School in his estate plans, the late Robert H. Shulman '62 created an enduring legacy that will impact generations of Marist students and their families.

An Atlanta native, Robert Shulman was a member of the final class to graduate on Marist's original campus on Ivy Street in downtown Atlanta, when the school was known as Marist College. He was a Jewish student in a Catholic school, exemplifying Marist's longtime commitment to open its doors to students of all faiths. To this day, Marist is intentional about enrolling students who practice faiths other than Catholicism, placing value on interfaith dialogue and a culture of inclusion. Robert practiced his Jewish faith at The Temple, Atlanta's oldest synagogue, but found a welcoming community among his classmates at Marist.

Robert earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from Emory University and a Master of Business Administration from Georgia State University. He opened his own real estate practice, FairField Realty, where he served as CEO and CFO until his death 40 years later. Robert also acquired rental properties in Atlanta, which allowed him to accumulate additional funds for his estate. In addition to his real estate business, Robert had an appreciation for antiques and collectibles. In 1979, he opened Gallery II in partnership with his brother, Thomas Shulman.

Well before his death in 2016, Robert began working with his lawyer, Stanley Baum, to draft his last will and testament. Over the years, Robert became close friends with Stanley and Stanley's wife, Louise. "Robert had a twinkle in his eye," shared Louise as she reminisced on their friendship with Robert. "Robert would give the shirt off his back to you. He was kind, and he cared more about others than himself."

During his lifetime, Robert generously planned to leave a legacy of education for others, and so he included Marist in his estate plans. In addition to his planned gift for Marist, he supported the Annual Fund and contributed to the school's most recent capital campaign.

Robert's bequest to Marist allowed for the establishment of The Shulman Family Trust, an endowed fund that provides tuition assistance for qualified Marist students. Since its creation, The Shulman Family Trust has provided financial aid for seven Marist students.

Robert's forethought to leave a legacy for the benefit of current and future Marist students embodies the Marist value of ardent love of neighbor. Marist School is grateful for Robert's generosity and for Stanley and Louise Baum, who worked closely with him and Marist to thoroughly carry forward Robert's vision.