BVH donates lead corporate gift for scholarships and design competition

Working to elevate design excellence, student engagement and access to higher education, Nebraska-based BVH Architecture pledges $45,000 in scholarship funds as the lead corporate gift for the College of Architecture’s Norman Ochsner Matching Gift Challenge. As a matching gift, the scholarship funds will be matched by the Ochsner fund for a total impact of $90,000 for student scholarships. The scholarships will be awarded in conjunction with two BVH sponsored design competitions for architecture and interior design students. Once the funds are endowed for a year, program administrators and faculty can begin program implementation. To assist with competition administration costs, BVH is also pledging an additional $30,000.

A third-year architecture and interior design studio will be invited to participate. Participating studios may submit team or individual entries. Winners will be selected by a jury based on demonstrated creative and technical excellence in the study of architecture and interior design.

“BVH Architecture has been a long-time supporter of the college,” said Dean Katherine Ankerson. “BVH’s donation demonstrates their desire and commitment to improving the quality of education and opportunities we provide our students and shaping the future trajectory of the professions. We are extremely grateful for this gift and their continued support and friendship.”

BVH and the college have enjoyed a long and enduring partnership. Over the years, many UNL graduates have found internships and employment with BVH’s multi-disciplinary, design studios in Lincoln and Omaha, Nebraska, and Denver, Colorado. Numerous employees have taught courses and provided studio critiques, strengthening that important connection between academia and the professions.

“BVH Architecture is thrilled to take part in the Ochsner gift matching program to create design competitions for the Architecture and Interior Design Programs,” said Mark Bacon, BVH design principal. “BVH has a storied history supporting the UNL College of Architecture with achieving education and design excellence. The next chapter is creating two endowed scholarships to provide new opportunities and exciting possibilities for the next generation of designers. Our commitment to the students, faculty and college illustrates the optimism we find vital in the designed world.”

BVH’s donation match was made possible by an estate gift from a 1967 alumnus Norman Ochsner who grew up and lived in Norfolk, Nebraska. To maximize Ochsner’s forward-thinking gesture, the college is investing and using a portion of those funds for matching, endowment-level scholarships of $15,000 or more. For more information regarding the Norman Ochsner Matching Gift Challenge or other donation opportunities contact Cameron Andreesen, director of development with the University of Nebraska Foundation at 402-458-119 or cameron.andreesen@nufoundation.org.