The School of Architecture awards close to a quarter million dollars annually in merit scholarships to continuing architecture students. Incoming students should contact the University's Office of Admission and Financial Aid for opportunities.
Endowment funds at the University of Southern California are designated only for the purpose agreed upon by the donor and the USC Lambda Alumni Association. The University of Southern California is an exceptional steward of the funds entrusted to it in perpetuity by donors.
Endowed Scholarships
The Altoon + Porter Architects Scholarship
An endowed award presented to a student for academic excellence honoring the architectural firm founded by USC Architecture alumni, Ronald Altoon (B.Arch. 1968) and James Porter (B.Arch. 1966).
Elizabeth Reed Annis Endowed Scholarship
An endowed scholarship fund in memory of Elizabeth Reed Annis, which honors the Reed family heritage. It is designated for an architecture student whose ancestry is of the British Isles regardless of his or her birthplace.
Verle L. Annis Memorial Scholarship
An endowed fund honoring the late USC Professor of Architecture and awarded to a student participating in a travel program such as the School’s Saintes fall program or Milan/Como spring program.
Verle and Elizabeth Annis Grant
This endowed scholarship from the estate of Elizabeth Annis is awarded to an outstanding student of the USC School of Architecture upon graduation for the purpose of furthering his or her studies in the field of architecture.
Professors Clayton Baldwin and Raymond Kennedy Memorial Scholarship
An endowed award created by School alumni memorializing two faculty members of the School; the recipient is selected based on academic merit and financial need.
The Dorothy S. Blessington Memorial Scholarship
This is an endowed scholarship fund established by USC architecture alumnus, James Kehr (B.Arch. 1966) in honor of the kind relative who provided for his education. The scholarship is awarded annually to a lower division student of architecture who has financial need and is, preferably, from the University Park neighborhood or from an ethnically diverse community.
Dr. Fred Block and Hugo Block Scholarship
Based on scholarship and need, an endowed award to a fifth-year student for the final semester of study.
Thomas O. Byerts Memorial Scholarship
Created in memory of a graduate of the School, an endowed scholarship recognizing a fifth-year thesis student whose work has included the application of social and behavioral theory.
Arthur C. Eckner Memorial Scholarship
An endowed graduate student scholarship memorializing architect Arthur C. Eckner. This scholarship is presented annually to a deserving student who demonstrates exceptional technical ability with a focus on the implementation of architectural design in technical areas such as computers, structures or environmental systems with a goal to enhance the creative use of architectural technology.
The Russell Gamble Endowed Scholarship
An endowment founded in 2008 by alumnus Russell Gamble (BArch '69), this scholarship benefits incoming and current undergraduate and graduate students within any program of the School of Architecture who have demonstrated a commitment to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) issues through academic work, community involvement or by other personal contributions. Students will be selected on a basis of merit by representatives of the USC Lambda Alumni Association. In addition to the required essay, students may include a design portfolio if desired.
Gensler/USC Architectural Guild Scholarship honoring the professional legacy of Marvin Taff, FAIA
Established in 2002, this endowment honoring architecture alumnus, Marvin Taff, FAIA (B.Arch. 1957), provides financial aid for deserving students in the undergraduate or graduate program. It is awarded annually to a student who best exemplifies the principles by which Marvin Taff practices architecture. Qualifying students exhibit integrity, collaboration, leadership, find opportunity in challenge, and define each design opportunity through the client’s point of view. Selection is made by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean.
L. Anthony Greenberg Memorial Scholarship
An endowed scholarship established in memory of alumnus and award-winning Los Angeles architect, L. Anthony Greenberg (B.Arch. 1961). It is awarded to a graduate student in the architecture program whose studies emphasize modernist architecture.
T. George Hayakawa Commemorative Scholarship
An endowed scholarship commemorating the Japanese/ American internment during World War II, which is awarded to a student whose family history includes the internment experience.
The Franz Herding Memorial Fellowships
Endowed scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students in the School of Architecture in memory of Swiss-born architect Franz Herding (1887-1968), who became a prominent Los Angeles architect and urban designer. Qualifications are academic excellence and financial need. The fellowships commemorate Mr. Herdings’s international professional practice especially in the development of Los Angeles and Southern California in the 20th century. They recognize the distinct character of the city he created through such projects as Hollywood Knolls, Leimert Park and Lido Isle along with many commercial buildings and residences. The fellowships honor Lena Herding, his wife, and Rosalie Herding, his daughter, who championed architectural education at the University of Southern California during her lifetime. The Franz Herding Memorial Fellowships were established in 2001 by George Schlecher, brother-in-law to Franz Herding, brother of Lena Herding and uncle of Rosalie Herding.
Carey K. Jenkins Memorial Scholarship
An endowed scholarship designated for a minority student in memory of Mr. Jenkins, an alumnus who was among the first black architectural students at USC.
S. Kenneth Johnson Memorial Scholarship An endowed scholarship designated for an incoming graduate student, which is renewable for the final year of graduate studies in architecture.
A. Quincy Jones Memorial Scholarship
An endowed scholarship established in memory of A. Quincy Jones, former Dean of the School of Architecture and a distinguished professional. It is awarded to fifth-year students who show exceptional promise.
Robert A. Kennard Memorial Scholarship
An endowed scholarship memorializing Robert A. Kennard (B.Arch. 1949), who was recognized as the 1991 Distinguished Alumnus. It is awarded to a student in the program, preferably an African-American or other minority, of high academic achievement in architecture and who is active in community service.
James A. Knowles Memorial Scholarship
Established to memorialize USC School of Engineering alumnus who was an expert in the science and practice of building systems design, the endowed award is presented to a graduate student in the Master of Building Science program.
Geralyn Lambson Endowed Scholarship
The purpose of this endowment, established by Geralyn Lambson in 2002, is to promote the advancement of under-represented minorities, such as African-Americans, in the profession of architecture. The scholarship is awarded annually to a deserving undergraduate or graduate student by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean.
William Landworth Memorial Prize
This endowment, established by the family and friends of William Landworth, AIA, honors the memory of a very caring and humorous man who was a mentor to many students at USC. Bill practiced architecture in Southern California for many years. In 1986 Bill’s daughter Lisa Landworth, AIA (B.Arch. 1979) and her classmate, Philip James DeBolske, AIA (B.Arch. 1979) formed the partnership Landworth DeBolske Associates, inspired by Bill’s vision and philosophy of life. This prize is presented annually to a student who has exceptional design skills and is in need. A faculty committee selects the recipient with either a family or a staff member of Landworth DeBolske Associates as a member of the selection committee.
Anthony A. Marnell II/ USC Architectural Guild Scholarship Established in 2004 by the employees of Marnell Corrao Associates as a tribute to Tony Marnell on the 30th anniversary of his founding of the Las Vegas-based firm and matched by the USC Architectural Guild, the endowment supports a fifth-year student at the School based on academic achievement and financial need. The recipient is selected by a committee of the Architectural Guild and a representative of Marnell Corrao Associates.
Marnell Application
George H. Mayr Foundation Scholarships
In memory of the noted philanthropist, the annual award is designated for graduate students who are United States citizens. Recipients are selected on the basis of academic excellence and financial need.
Salvatore Merendino Scholarship
An endowed award for academic excellence in first-year design studio memorializing a retired professor of the School.
Rick and Nancy Muth Scholarship Fund in Memory of Mike Rhodes
An endowed scholarship fund memorializing USC School of Architecture alumnus, it is awarded to a student who might not otherwise qualify for other scholarships or financial aid.
Professor John V. Mutlow Scholarship in Housing
Established in 2002 by Professor John V. Mutlow, FAIA, this endowed scholarship provides funding for a graduate or upper-division undergraduate student whose academic interest is in senior, family, special needs, or mixed-use multi-housing that addresses the issues of affordability, attainability, workforce, and social concerns. Qualifying students demonstrate studio design excellence and preference is given to students with financial need.
Orange County Trojan League Internship at the California Science Center
This endowment, funded by the proceeds from the Orange County Trojan League’s Spring 1999 Benefit Luncheon, supports an architectural student internship at the California Science Center.
John Parkinson Memorial Scholarships
Endowed scholarships awarded to undergraduate and graduate students based on demonstrated exceptional potential for the profession of architecture and who have financial need. The fund honors the early 20th century Los Angeles architect.
Lowell S. Pidgeon Memorial Scholarships
An endowed fund memorializing alumnus, Lowell Pidgeon, and awarded to students in the graduate program.
Ruth Elaine Reed Memorial Scholarship
Dr. Elizabeth Annis established an endowed traveling scholarship in honor of her sister and USC alumna, Ruth Elaine Reed. A scholarship is awarded annually to a student studying in Saintes, France or Como, Italy in alternate years. The award is based on academic excellence and financial need.
Victor Regnier Endowed Scholarship
This scholarship was endowed in 2001 by USC School of Architecture alumnus and faculty member, Victor Regnier. It is awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student whose work involves the creation or translation of research into design excellence.
The Rockefeller / Hricak Prize
This endowment was established in 2001 by Michael Hricak, FAIA (B.S. 1974) and Darrell S. Rockefeller, AIA on the 20th anniversary of the founding of Rockefeller / Hricak Architects. It is awarded annually to a student completing their third year in recognition of leadership qualities expressed in work that clearly communicates design innovation combined with technical exploration and understanding. The recipient is selected by a faculty committee appointed by the Dean to include a representative of Rockefeller / Hricak Architects.
Robert, Rose and Stan Alan Sackley Architectural Scholarship
This endowment from the estate of alumnus Stan Alan Sackley (B.Arch. 1961) is designated for a first year architecture student with financial need. The fund memorializes Mr. Sackley and his parents.
Victor S. Sauer Scholarship
An endowed fund providing scholarship assistance to deserving undergraduate students in the School of Architecture.
George Morgan Spencer Scholarship
An endowed scholarship given to a student in the School of Architecture and a student in the School of Fine Arts. The scholarship memorializes USC alumnus, George Morgan Spencer, (B.Arch. 1952) and is awarded annually for academic excellence.
Winifred T. Stockwell Scholarship Endowment
This endowment from the estate of Winifred Stockwell honors her husband’s 20th century Los Angeles firm, Stanton & Stockwell, Architects. Funds are given to students based on merit and need as determined by a committee of the faculty.
The Ternstrom Endowment
This endowment was established in 1996 by a 1940 graduate of the USC School of Architecture in memory of his daughter. The annual income of the endowment is used exclusively for assistance to students in the architecture program in the form of tuition, special needs, specific project or thesis funds, or a direct program grant administered by the Dean or the Dean’s appointed faculty committee.
Universal Reproductions Mark Gerson Memorial Scholarship
Awarded to a fifth-year or graduate student who is a California resident on the basis of design excellence. This award honors Mr. Gerson’s lifelong commitment to the architecture and building industry.
Marilyn McCarron Urmstron Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Carolyn McCarron Brink in memory of her twin sister, Marilyn (both B.Arch. 1954). The scholarship is awarded annually to a USC architecture student in recognition of his or her outstanding academic achievement.
Widom, Wein, Cohen, O’Leary, Terasawa Endowed Scholarship
An endowed scholarship awarded to an undergraduate or graduate student with financial need in recognition of his or her academic achievement and community service. The scholarship, established by principals Chester A. Widom, FAIA, Adrian Cohen, Andrea Cohen Gehring (B.Arch. 1985) and Jesus Fondevila, honors the USC tradition of the firm and recognizes the legacy of three USC School of Architecture Distinguished Alumni from WWCOT: Arthur F. O’Leary, FAIA (B.Arch. 1951), Toshikazu Terasawa, FAIA (B.Arch. 1949) and Chester A. Widom, FAIA (B.Arch. 1962).
Gin Wong Scholarship
The endowed scholarship honors the USC Trustee and architecture alumnus. This award is presented to a fourth-year student and renewed for the fifth year based on academic excellence and financial need.
Annual Scholarships
John C. Absmeier International Student Travel Award
An annual award that assists a student on one of the School’s semester abroad programs. This award honors the memory of USC School of Architecture alumnus and Los Angeles architect John C. Absmeier.
Architectural Guild Scholarships
Two annual scholarships awarded to fifth-year students based on academic achievement.
Freeman House Scholar in Residence Fellowship
Each year, a student completing their final year of the Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture +2 programs is provided housing in the historic Frank Lloyd Wright designed USC Freeman House.
Friends of the Gamble House Scholar in Residence Fellowships
Each year, two students completing their final year of the Bachelor of Architecture or Master of Architecture +2 programs are provided housing in the historic USC Gamble House.