National grant supports architecture student scholarships

April 26, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The American Institute of Architects has awarded the AIA Gainesville chapter a matching grant of $2,500 to support emerging leaders in the profession through a joint AIA scholarship opportunity. The grant will support AIA Gainesville’s “North Florida Chapter – AIA Endowed Scholarship” established to provide scholarships to University of Florida architecture graduate students who demonstrate superior academic achievement.

“The American Institute of Architects is committed to contributing to the preparation of graduates who will meet the current and future challenges in a swiftly evolving profession,” said Mary Felber, director of AIA/AAF scholarship programs. “The investment to support the education of future professionals is a crucial part of our mission.”

AIA Gainesville’s annual golf tournament, which last year raised the matched $2,500, has funded the scholarship endowment since the charitable golf tournament’s inception in 1984. The 2006 student scholarship award recipient is Stuart Theil.

“AIA Gainesville is pleased to be able to continue to provide scholarships to deserving architecture students through this annual event,” said professor Michael Kuenstle, who serves as state director of the AIA Gainesville chapter. “The matching grant we were awarded this year by the national component will further our goal of preparing our future leaders while encouraging participation with the AIA.”

The 22nd annual AIA Gainesville Scholarship Golf Tournament will be held at noon on Friday, April 28, at Haile Plantation Golf & Country Club. Proceeds from the tournament will continue to support scholarships for UF architecture students. For more information on the event and registration, contact Joe Garcia, golf chairman, (352) 372-0425.