Thomas Cousins

The Horatio Alger Association mourns the loss of Tom Cousins, a real estate mogul, dedicated philanthropist, and Member of the Horatio Alger Association.

Born in Georgia to a working-class family, Mr. Cousins spent his childhood moving from town to town across the Southeast. From an early age, he embraced responsibility, taking on neighborhood jobs as soon as he was able. By third grade, he was mowing lawns for neighbors and in the years that followed he held a range of jobs - from delivering prescriptions for local drugstores to running a paper route to working as a lifeguard. These early experiences reinforced his belief that determination and hard are the foundations of success.

After graduating from high school, Mr. Cousins enrolled at the University of Georgia to study pre-med. However, during his senior year, a hospital rotation prompted a change in direction, and he decided to pursue a career in business instead. Returning to Atlanta in 1954, he launched his real estate career after learning that the city was projected to become the world's largest by the year 2000. He quickly rose through the ranks at Knox Homes, becoming their top salesperson. Just a few years later, with only $2,500, he co-founded his own development company. By 1965, he had expanded into commercial real estate, going on to develop many of Atlanta's most iconic buildings, including One Ninety-One Peachtree Tower, Bank of America Plaza, The Pinnacle, and the Omni Sports Arena. His firm, Cousins Properties, grew into one of the nation's leading real estate investment trusts and was named National Developer of the Year in 1997.

After his retirement, Mr. Cousins dedicated himself to philanthropy, with a particular focus on revitalizing Atlanta's inner-city neighborhoods and expanding educational opportunities for at-risk youth through his family foundation. Among his most impactful initiatives was the transformation of The Villages of East Lake, a comprehensive redevelopment project that included new housing, a YMCA, a youth golf program, and the founding of a charter school.

Mr. Cousin's legacy of generosity, resilience, and hope will continue to inspire all who knew him. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and friends and remain deeply appreciative of his support and dedication to our mission and Scholars. Cousins, Thomas