During the last year, four new endowed scholarships were established to provide scholarship funding to SoA grad students. An endowed scholarship is a donation that is invested by the university, and the interest generated is used to fund scholarships each year. By endowing a scholarship, donors can make a lasting difference by helping deserving students over a long period of time and receive a tax deduction along the way. It is a wonderful way to make a lasting impact because colleges can rely on this funding perpetually.
What is most striking to me is that three of the four established scholarships are designed to provide support to traditionally underserved students or increase the diversity of our architecture program.
Kenneth and Sarah Olsen Endowed Scholarship
Robert Olsen, SoA alum 1966, established a scholarship in memory of his parents. As a first-generation college graduate, Robert asked that the scholarship be awarded to students who are from the first generation in their family to attend college. Additionally, Robert specified that the scholarship be awarded to students who have a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
Michael and Carolyn Stransky Endowed Scholarship
Mike Stransky, SoA alum 1970, and his wife Carolyn established an endowed scholarship for students from Wyoming who apply and attend the U’s School of Architecture. Mike was very clear right from the start that he wanted this scholarship to encourage students to consider a future in architecture.
Master of Architecture Class of ’77 Endowed Scholarship in Memory of Mark A. Walker
John Jex, SoA alum 1977, established this scholarship in memory of his cousin, Mark Walker, who was also an alum of the class of 1977 and was a well-known architect in Park City.
Abe and Bobbie Gillies Memorial Endowed Scholarship
GSBS Architects established this scholarship in memory of their friend and colleague, Abe. To honor Abe, this scholarship will be awarded to a student who has faced a unique challenge or disability. Their intent is to bring more diversity to the architecture profession and open the door for a student who might otherwise not consider this field an option.
