SCHOLARSHIPS FOR ARCHITECTURAL STUDENTS AND

THE WEST VIRGINIA FOUNDATION FOR ARCHITECTURE

Since 1986 AIA West Virginia, A Chapter of the American Institute of Architects has awarded $133,500.00 to 75 students pursuing a career in architecture. It is the Chapter’s goal, as the statewide component of the AIA, to promote and encourage students to enter the field of architecture and at the same time recognize those students demonstrating outstanding abilities and potential as future licensed architects. Because there is no in-state accredited school of Architecture, the Chapter has continued to support West Virginia students enrolled in out of state accredited programs leading to a professional degree in Architecture and continues to recognize the importance of the Architectural education to its profession. A single or multiple award(s) is presented to college students who are West Virginia residents and in their third year, or equivalent, of an accredited school of architecture. Graduate students in a Master of Architecture program are also eligible. Students may request an application after January 31st. Completed applications are due May 30th. Awards will be distributed at year end. The Chapter receives a $1,200.00 annual grant from the National Component of AIA in Washington, DC. Also an annual grant of $1,500, the Floyd J. Clingenpeel Memorial Award, funded by CMA Engineering of Charleston/Morgantown is awarded to an architectural student who demonstrates his/her ability to develop project concepts utilizing sustainable principles, alternative energy systems or new technologies for environment systems in an integrated manor. Two additional amounts, $1500.00 and $1000.00 are given to a senior and a junior in the in-state four-year non-professional Bachelor of Science of Architecture program at Fairmont State University. The Fairmont University students must obtain a Masters of Architecture degree in order to be eligible for licensure. The total annual scholarships awarded by the chapter total $15,000.00.

In 2007, marking the 150 th year of the American Institute of Architects and the 85 th anniversary of AIA West Virginia, the Chapter seized the opportunity to create a sustainable future for AIA West Virginia by voting to revise their Bylaws and form the West Virginia Foundation for Architecture. The Foundation will be able to build on the legacy of the Chapter’s scholarship program and have the ability to fund projects to promote architecture and the built environment and will allow solicitation of funds from a more diverse group of contributors; allow for contributions from other foundations; and allow AIAWV to fund projects to promote architecture and not be perceived as a commercial for architects. The Foundation is made up of seven Trustees; four AIA members of the Chapter and three public members who will protect it’s assets. Future activities by the Foundation may include preserving a historic building for use as the AIA West Virginia Chapter office, exhibit space, book store, or educational space. The Foundation will establish awards, prizes, and medals for both architects and the public and will become a great avenue for memorials, endowments for special activities, special named scholarships and donations that will be carefully administered.

Members of the West Virginia Foundation for Architecture are: Chairman, Francis Guffey, II, FAIA; Jody Driggs, AIA; John Harris, AIA; Gregory Williamson, AIA; Dale Clowser; Gary Young; and Sandy Zando.

Members of the AIAWV Scholarship Committee are: Chair, John Harris, AIA; Jody Driggs, AIA; Phoebe Randolph, AIA; Gregory Williamson, AIA; and William Yoke, AIA.

The AIA West Virginia Chapter office is located at 223 on historic Hale Street in downtown Charleston. You are invited to drop by and visit our Executive Director, Roberta Guffey, Hon. AIA, weekdays 8:00 – 4:30 pm or call 304.344.9872.