$250,000 Fund Established to Support Underrepresented Architecture Students at Wentworth
McMillan-Stewart Foundation President Kibebe Gizaw signing an agreement with Wentworth
In a significant stride toward promoting diversity and excellence in architectural education, Wentworth Institute of Technology has announced the establishment of the Genevieve McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation Fund. This endowed fund made possible through a generous donation of $250,000 by the Genevieve McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation, will pave the way for the creation of a scholarship aimed at assisting historically underrepresented students pursuing architecture degrees.
The fund will be available to students who have completed their first year of study with the help of scholarship support, or those seeking international travel experiences such as semester-abroad programs and graduate travel studios.
"This fund marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to fostering inclusivity and academic excellence," stated Wentworth President Mark A. Thompson. "Through the generous support of the Genevieve McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation Fund, we can attract and enroll the brightest and most talented students, irrespective of their socioeconomic backgrounds, ensuring a dynamic student body."
McMillan was a civil rights activist who worked to promote diversity in the architectural profession, while Stewart was an artist and educator who believed that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue a career in design.
Scholarship recipients will be selected by the dean of the School of Architecture in consultation with the executive vice president of Enrollment and the Office of Financial Aid.
“The McMillan-Stewart Foundation believes that students traveling overseas to further their education will broaden their knowledge and understanding of the world,” said Kibebe Gizaw, president of the McMillan-Stewart Foundation.
The fund is expected to be awarded for the first time in the fall of 2023.
About the McMillan-Stewart Foundation
The Geneviève McMillan-Reba Stewart Foundation was established in 2001 to realize the vision of its founder, Geneviève McMillan, and to commemorate the life and work of her friend, the artist Reba Stewart. During her life, McMillan supported the arts as a vehicle for understanding the diversity of human experience and believed that we should work for equality and justice for all.
Today, the foundation’s goals include contributing to the elimination of racism in American society by funding projects that develop the leadership capacity of African American youth and that promote African and African American culture, and promoting civil and human rights and civil liberties as guaranteed to all under the U.S. Constitution.
About Wentworth Institute of Technology
Founded in 1904, Wentworth Institute of Technology provides a comprehensive, interdisciplinary, project-based education in architecture and design, computing and data science, engineering, management, and sciences and humanities that integrates classroom, laboratory, studio, cooperative and experiential learning to develop career-ready, skilled professionals, and engaged citizens.
“The University of Opportunity,” Wentworth aims to be a student-centered institution of inclusive excellence that offers high-quality undergraduate, graduate, and life-long learning programs; embraces a culture of innovation and creativity; serves society through urban engagement; and fosters growth for local, regional, and national economies.