Washington, D.C., April 25, 2016 – Shannar O’Connor, a freshman attending the University of Miami School of Architecture, has been selected as the 2016 recipient of the AIA/Architects Foundation Diversity Advancement Scholarship. Working in collaboration, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Architects Foundation award the scholarship to high school graduates, college freshmen, and community college students from a minority background who intend to pursue a NAAB-accredited professional degree in architecture. The purpose of the scholarship is to encourage diversity in the architecture profession.

The scholarship will provide O’Connor with $4,000 a year for up to five years. The scholarship jury, which is comprised of a diverse group of teaching professionals and practitioners of the profession, received over 75 applications and was most impressed by the academic and personal achievements of O’Connor:

Shannar O’Connor is a freshman attending the University of Miami School of Architecture, where she plans on obtaining a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Prior to attending the University of Miami, O’Connor graduated from Colonial High School in Orlando, Florida with a weighted 5.12 GPA. Since childhood, O’Connor’s goal has been to become an architect. 

More information about the Diversity Advancement Scholarship can be found here: https://www.architectsfoundation.org/education/

About The American Institute of Architects
Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through nearly 300 state and local chapters, the AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. The AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business as well as engaging civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation and world. Visit www.aia.org.

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