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By Amy Karagiannakis
The Illinois School of Architecture recently celebrated the 150th anniversary of its first alumnus and the nation’s first architecture graduate. As the school continues to build on its unique history and solidify its role in the future of architectural education, attracting and retaining the most talented students remains a top priority. Scholarship support plays a significant role in ensuring that the school is admitting the best and brightest students.
The School of Architecture is incredibly grateful for the recent establishment of the FGM Architects Scholarship Endowment Fund. FGM Architects (FGMA) has been providing scholarship support to graduate students enrolled in the school since 2018, but just recently endowed the fund. Preference for this scholarship is given to students pursuing a Master of Architecture but can also be given to undergraduate students in their junior and senior years.
This scholarship is unique in that recipients have the opportunity to intern at the firm while enrolled in school. FGM Architect Scholars that take full advantage of this internship opportunity will graduate with hands-on project experience and exposure to the profession in a competitive environment. Not only are they supported financially as they pursue their architectural education but also professionally – an experience that is truly invaluable.
FGMA understands the value of preparing future architects to make an impact in the field. They are investing in Illinois School of Architecture students because some of them go on to work for the firm after graduation. Since 2018, two FGM Architect Scholars have joined the firm as full-time employees. FGM has utilized this scholarship and internship program as a recruitment tool of sorts to attract and retain Illinois Architecture graduates. As a national firm with eight locations across the country, we asked FGMA leadership, why University of Illinois?
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The FGM Architects Scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving student on the basis of merit at the Annual Architecture Awards ceremony in May each year. The Illinois School of Architecture is grateful for this continued partnership with FGMA. Together, we can inspire and prepare the next generation of architects to build a more just and equitable future for all.