Pepperdine University Mourns the Passing of Fred Sands

Fred C. Sands, the visionary founder of Fred Sands Realtors and Vintage Capital Group, as well as the Fred Sands Institute of Real Estate at Pepperdine University, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 23. He was 77.

“I was truly devastated to learn of Fred’s passing,” says president Andrew K. Benton. “He was a delightful new friend and colleague in the effort to make Pepperdine better. His monetary gift to establish the Fred Sands Institute of Real Estate was generous, but the warmth of his friendship was more generous still. I am proud that the Sands family is forever a part of the Pepperdine community.”

Well known for his philanthropy, earlier this year Sands made a pinnacle gift to Pepperdine University to endow the Fred Sands Institute of Real Estate, creating a dynamic new enterprise within the University’s Graziadio School of Business and Management. Sands was a member of the Pepperdine University Board and received an honorary doctor of business degree from the Graziadio School last April.

“Fred Sands was an entrepreneur, investor, distinguished businessman, and philanthropist,” said Graziadio School dean David M. Smith. “He generously shared his time and talents with countless others and loved the real estate industry, which he served tirelessly. Fred was a champion for raising up the next generation of professionals in business and real estate. It is our desire to instill within the institute Fred’s entrepreneurism and passion to serve others.”

Sands is survived by his wife Carla, chair of The Blue Ribbon of the Los Angeles Music Center; son Jonathan; daughter Alexandra; and brother William Sands.