College of Architecture Student Recognized with Prestigious National IIDA Scholarship

The College of Architecture is pleased to announce Jeremiah Brown, third-year architecture student and IIDA member is the recipient of the 2020 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship. This scholarship fund was established to support diversity and further the study of interior design and architecture for students of African American descent. Each student will receive $10,000 in scholarship funds.

“At IIDA, we proudly support missions that enhance the value of design and promote its rapidly diversifying leadership,” said IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA. “This scholarship helps ensure the future of the design industry is equitable and that everyone, with any background, is included.”

“Congratulations to Jeremiah on receiving this important national award,” said Architecture Program Interim Director David Karle. “I greatly appreciate Jeremiah’s thoughts presented in the video as he brings a unique point of view to the discipline of architecture and interior design.”

John J. Nelson Sr., founder and principal of design for NELSON, is a known supporter of design education, diversity and unfettered access to education. The Foundation values Nelson’s history of advocating to increase diversity in design and architecture by championing students of all backgrounds.

“Recognizing the need to further diversity within the design profession and to highlight design as a viable, rewarding career option, I was honored to initiate this scholarship fund,” said Nelson Sr. “With IIDA, I am excited to celebrate these remarkable students. I look forward to seeing them launch their careers, further develop their design talents, and make a difference in the world.”

All applications were reviewed by the Scholarship Fund Evaluation Committee and the IIDA Foundation Board of Trustees. The distinguished evaluation committee included Ronnie Belizaire, IIDA, corporate real estate manager, Americas; Daimler North, America Corporation; Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA, executive vice president and CEO, IIDA; Mike Johnson II, IIDA, AIA, senior associate, Perkins and Will; Shawn McLean-Bergel, IIDA, principal and founder, McLean Bergel Design; and John J. Nelson Sr.