CLARENCE WIGINGTON SCHOLARSHIP (See also Description on Application Form)

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2 CLARENCE WIGINGTON SCHOLARSHIP (See also Description on Application Form) Created in 1992 as the Minority Architectural Scholarship, this fund was renamed to recognize the extraordinary professional and civic accomplishments of the first African-American municipal architect in the United States and the first licensed African-American architect in Minnesota. This scholarship provides tuition scholarships to minority students who wish to pursue a professional education in architecture at the University of Minnesota College of Design. Advancing diversity in the architectural profession, the program supports the selected Wigington Scholars in a variety of ways. The scholars are chosen on the basis of academic merit, recommendation letters, extracurricular activities, portfolio and a passion for pursuing a successful career in architecture. This program aims to firmly launch the careers of promising minority students through undergraduate and graduate school. As Wigington Scholars, students are also provided with opportunities for mentoring and internships. The Foundation support helps them to understand that the profession is invested in their success and needs their contribution. Recently awarded the AIA National Component grant, the program has successfully graduated two scholars, Keon Blasingame and Pauv Thouk, who are now architectural interns in local Minneapolis firms. Keon and Pauv are in the process of completing their IDP requirements and intend on becoming licensed architects. The program is currently supporting two new scholars, Max Schmidt and Jon Jacobs who are in their fourth year of architecture school. The scholars have also volunteered at events sponsored by the foundation. The Clarence Wigington Scholarship has proven to be a valuable asset within the Minnesota architectural community by creating a pathway for underrepresented individuals into the profession. KNOWLEDGE GAINED FROM EXPERIENCE In order to attract talented and qualified students, the Minnesota Architectural Foundation has reached out to a broad audience to find qualified students. Our outreach effort has included: Advertising in local African American, Native American and Latino newspapers and magazines Contacting career counselors in school districts that serve underrepresented individuals Contacting minority sororities, fraternities and civic organizations Internet University of Minnesota Admissions and College of Design office and website AIA MN office and website Our former graduates have also been instrumental in helping the Minnesota Architectural Foundation board understand how to best serve the recipients. Their experiences have helped to refine the selection process, mentoring assistance and overall support needed while in school. Furthermore, they have made themselves available to the current Wigington recipients to assist them along the way.

3 PAUV THOUK, ARCHITECTURAL INTERN When I was 2 years old, my family immigrated to Minnesota from Cambodia. The youngest of eight children, I grew up facing numerous challenges, and one of the most significant was to communicate to my family the importance of a college education. My family did not have a lot of money and did not see the long-term value of a college degree so they encouraged me to get a job instead. But I wanted to go to college and pursue my dreams of becoming an architect I just didn t know how I was going to pay for it. Then I heard about the Clarence Wigington Minority Scholarship. I applied for it and was fortunate enough to receive it. I was a scholarship recipient from 1998 until 2005, when I received a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Minnesota s College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture (CALA). For my thesis project, More with Less, I was chosen by faculty to receive the Leon Arnal Memorial Thesis Award. Without the support of the Wigington Scholarship, it would have been extremely difficult for me to attend the University of Minnesota and be successful in school. The scholarship not only provided me with the financial means to attend the University, but the Architectural Foundation Board members went above and beyond their commitment to help me with anything else I needed to perform and succeed academically and professionally. The scholarship allowed me to focus on my education and also provided me with invaluable networking opportunities. It has been the Foundation Board s positive influence on my education and growth that has taught me one of life s most important lessons: to give. Whether it is monetary, time spent mentoring, or words of encouragement, these are all significant ways to impact the lives of others. It certainly has made a difference in my life. During college, I was fortunate enough to intern at Rafferty Rafferty Tollefson Architects, KKE Architects, Julie Snow Architects, and was an environmental stewardship intern with Target Corporation. I also participated for a number of years as a student mentor for Design Camp and the Architectural Youth Program. I was a teaching assistant throughout graduate school. After working at Rafferty Rafferty Tollefson Lindeke Architects following my M.A. degree, I currently work at Julie Snow Architects. My project experience includes government, cultural, educational, religious, and institutional buildings, and I have a background in developing architectural designs and project management. I am working towards registration by participating in the Intern Development Program. I am now a committee member for the Clarence Wigington Minority Architectural Scholarship. CONTACT: pauv@juliesnowarchitects.com or pthouk@hotmail.com

4 JONATHON JACOBS, FOURTH YEAR ARCHITECTURE STUDENT I have dedicated my life to design. Currently, I am enrolled at the University of Minnesota pursuing a Bachelor of Design in Architecture. My interest in architecture was bolstered at a young age while building tree houses and forts with my older brother. Limited resources, materials, and tools made design difficult; resulting in unique but functional architecture. The ability to be innovative and resourceful is the driving force of my development providing the ability to solve design issues. The Wigington Scholarship has had a tremendous impact on my life. The Wigington Scholarship assisted me with an internship at KKE Architects where I met some of the most inspirational designers. Their advice and experiences reinforced my decision to become an architect. The Wigington Scholarship has exposed me to the diversity of the architectural field and connected me with mentors to follow. I plan on attending graduate school at the University of Minnesota and aspire to become an architect. Contact Information Jon Jacobs 2211 south 9th street #344, Minneapolis, MN jacob872@umn.edu I am also on Facebook

5 MAX SCHMITZ, FOURTH YEAR ARCHITECTURAL STUDENT My name is Max Schmitz and I am currently a senior in the B.S. Architecture Program and intend on minoring in Sustainable Studies. Upon graduation, I intend on getting my Masters here at the University of Minnesota and wish to seek an internship beginning summer 2010! My studies thus far in the field of architecture have been very enlightening, adventurous, and challenging! With every day that passes by in the design program, I seem to discover even more about myself in regard to my design aspirations. I would like to become a commercial architect with an emphasis on sustainability, green design, and biomimicry (the direct representation of nature through design, both aesthetically and mechanically). The Wigington Scholarship has continued to aid my education and I am ever so grateful for such a generous gift, but the Wigington Scholarship is more than just funding to me. It is a constant reminder that as the architecture field continues to grow and change, there will ALWAYS be the need for diversity within the profession; diversity of ideas, diversity of design professionals, and diversity of practice. As the nation's first black municipal architect, Clarence Wigington was a testament to the significance and importance of diversity within the profession. His achievements inspire me to achieve all of the goals that I have sought out to achieve, and I feel that I am well on my way! CONTACT INFORMATION Feel free to contact me at schm1822@umn.edu I am also reachable on search Max Schmitz in the Minnesota network Feel free to contact me with any questions at