Higher Ed Scholarships — Beyer Blinder Belle Foundation

Higher Education Grant

Architecture is a complex discipline that extends beyond building design and construction, with careful consideration given to the context of the surrounding landscape, the people who will occupy the building, and large-scale environmental issues such as climate change and sustainability.

With this multi-faceted model in mind, renowned architectural firm Beyer Blinder Belle has created a scholarship at the Spitzer School of Architecture to support students who demonstrate both exceptional ability and financial need. BBB Partner Carlos Cardoso, City College of New York and Spitzer School graduate, led the establishment of the $10,000 scholarship, emphasizing that financial assistance toward tuition and living expenses at Spitzer is integral to fostering a

diversity of talent. Although Beyer Blinder Belle Foundation (BBBF) underwrites a travel fellowship open to U.S. architecture graduate students, Cardoso envisioned something more tailored to Spitzer students’ needs.

“Not every student has the means to travel, between supporting an education and working. We responded to this by we are creating a scholarship that was need-based,” said Cardoso.

The inaugural BBBF scholarship winner is fifth-year Spitzer architecture student Mosammet Chowdhury.

Born in Bangladesh, and raised in Buffalo, Chowdhury believes nature and the needs of migrants coming into the country have a lot do with the architect’s role in design.

Chowdhury is the first member of her family to attend university and pursue a professional degree, overcame significant obstacles toward realizing her dream.

Marta Gutman, Dean and Professor of Architecture, Spitzer School of Architecture at City College of New York was determined to support students who need help.

“These are the new Americans who will shape the architecture of the country, .... It was a very hard choice. Every student has a compelling story.” said Gutman

The three finalists for the award were chosen from 27 applicants for the scholarship.

The Beyer Blinder Belle Foundation will underwrite the $10,000 stipend for three years.

Beyond solely offering financial support, BBB intends the scholarship to support an introduction to the professional practice of architecture, offering recipients “another family to reach out to,” said Cardoso. “There’s an acre of diamonds at the Spitzer School. All will do great work wherever they land.”