The West Virginia Foundation for Architecture and The West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects – AIA West Virginia – has announced the winners of AIA WV 2019 Scholarship winners for 2019.
AIA West Virginia Scholarship program, which benefits West Virginia native students working toward a degree in architecture. This year, The West Virginia Foundation for Architecture awarded five students with a total of $14,000.
Alyssa Clayburn, attending Penn State, received $4,000 plus the $1,500 Floyd Clingenpeel Scholarship. The Clingenpeel Scholarship is sponsored by Harper Engineering in St. Albans and recognizes students who display an exceptional understanding of sustainable design practices and creative engineering principles in their work. Alyssa is from Charles Town, WV. She is in her fifth year in the Bachelor of Architecture program at The Pennsylvania State University with minors in Sociology and Residential Construction. She is interested in responsive urban architecture and density and the role they have in sustainable cities. Her goal, following graduation, is to utilize the knowledge she gains from her architecture, sociology, and construction backgrounds while working at an interdisciplinary firm.
James Jesmer, attending the University of Maryland, received $4,000. James is from Bridgeport, WV. James is pursuing his Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland, where he serves as a teaching assistant for Structures and Sustainability courses. James also works at AECOM in Arlington, VA where he has been a design intern since July 2018. James has maintained his accreditation as a LEED Green Associate from the USGBC since May 2016. James holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Fairmont State University.
Cassidy Bland, attending Clemson University, received $2,000. Cassidy is a first year Master’s of Architecture + Health student at Clemson University. Prior to pursuing her graduate education, she attended West Virginia University and obtained her Bachelor’s of Science in Biomedical Engineering. Originally from Wellsburg, WV, she hopes to return to her home state after completing her graduate degree.
Samuel Tonkovich, attending Fairmont State University, received the Jeffrey Mayfield Award of $1,500. Samuel is a Fairmont Native and in his final year at Fairmont State University. He is an active member with the American Institute of Architecture students. His passion for sustainability led him to becoming a LEED Green Associate. Currently, Samuel is working towards becoming a LEED AP. Upon graduating in spring, he plans to attend graduate school to obtain a Master of Architecture in fall of 2019 and Master of Business Administration afterwards. In addition to school, Samuel is an intern at Omni Associates-Architects in Fairmont, West Virginia. James confides, “My long-term goal is to own an architecture/interior design firm.”
Jeray Allen, attending Fairmont State University, received the AIA WV Scholarship Award of $1,000. Born and raised in Charleston, WV, Jeray is a third-year student at Fairmont State University. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in Art. Also, standing as the current VP of Fairmont States University’s AIAS. Jeray’s passion in art and architecture developed at a young age and continues to grow. After a recent trip to Greece, his appreciation for architecture developed furthermore. He is currently planning to travel to Italy this Spring. After graduation he hopes to continue developing his passion by obtaining a master’s degree in architecture.
Since 1986, AIA West Virginia has awarded 123 students $285,500 in scholarships. For more information, visit AIA West Virginia’s website at www.aiawv.org.
