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Fairmont State Architecture Students and Alumnus Named Scholarship Recipients Impact
Fairmont State News

Fairmont State Architecture Students and Alumnus Named Scholarship Recipients

Feb 04, 2021

The West Virginia Chapter of the American Institute of Architecture has announced that two Fairmont State University students as well as an alumnus are among the winners of the organization’s annual scholarship competition.  

“Each  winner  is an intrinsically driven individual who demonstrates a high level of perseverance, ambition and love for architecture,” Professor of Architecture, Kirk Morphew, said. “These awards foreshadow the significant contributions they will contribute to the profession of architecture following graduation.” 

The scholarship recipients from Fairmont State who were selected in recognition of their outstanding architecture coursework are alumnus, Blake Massie, and current students, Hailey Perdue and Garrett Harbour. 

“The American Institute of Architecture’s recognition of these Falcons is an impressive statement on the quality of our Architecture program,” said Mirta M. Martin, Fairmont State University President. “I’m thrilled these three have been rewarded for their exceptional efforts, and I’m proud of how these accolades are a reflection of the impact our caring, expert teacher-mentors make every day.” 

Massie, who earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Fairmont State in 2019, is the recipient of a $3,500 scholarship which includes Harper Engineering's Clingenpeel Scholarship, awarded to a student who expresses a strong interest in and aptitude for sustainable design. During his time at Fairmont State, Massie, now in his final year of Virginia Tech’s Master of Architecture program, received the Outstanding Senior in Architecture Award. 

“I’m currently at a point where the dam that holds back my student loans will be breaking soon,” he said. “The generosity of the  AIA  West Virginia and the West Virginia Foundation for Architecture has given me a head start on paying that money back. Thanks to them, I'll be in a position to eliminate that debt earlier, putting me in a position to lend a hand to the next generation of architects.” 

Perdue, a senior from Morgantown, was named the winner of the $1,500 Mayfield Scholarship. Perdue hopes to use her architecture degree to flip and design sustainable homes.  

“My education in architecture will forever be imprinted by the honor of receiving this scholarship,” she said. “The valuable lessons I have learned throughout the process has made me a better designer and I hope to carry them with me on my journey into architecture. I would also like to thank all my professors for their guidance and knowledge. I have grown so much as a student and I would not have received this scholarship without them.” 

Harbour, a junior from Point Pleasant, was awarded a $1,000 scholarship. Harbour is a member of the AIA student chapter and plans to continue his studies in architecture at the graduate level. 

“This scholarship means so much to me as it will help to relieve some of the financial burdens I am facing and will allow me to continue my journey into architecture knowing that others can see value in my work,” he said.  

The AIA-WV represents nearly 300 American Institute of Architects members – registered architects, interns, associate and affiliate members – working in West Virginia. 

“The AIA-WV has been a supporter of the architecture program at Fairmont State for many years,” said Morphew. “Their involvement in and support of the architecture program is an essential link to the profession of architecture required for the program’s accreditation.” 

AIA-WVKirk MorphewBlake MassieHailey PerdueGarrett HarbourMirta Martin