This Giving Tuesday

Last time, I spoke of having a thankful spirit. Today, we express that gratitude to our entity-of-choice for their important work. I encourage everyone to select a worthy organization or worthwhile cause to support on this Giving Tuesday!

For my part, I lift up my cherished hashtag#AIAVirginia colleagues, who in 2015 generously established a fellowship (an experiential scholarship) in my name following my AIA presidency. I was deeply moved by this, yet as time passes I find myself even more awed by their action. I feel privileged that in my lifetime, I have the opportunity to see this special support for early career professionals realized. I actually am able to witness the benefits ‘my’ fellows receive as they grow through attending AIA events afforded to them by the fellowship. The same holds true for my dear friend Corey Clayborne, FAIA, MBA, CAE, who on LinkedIn several months ago expressed a similar sentiment about the scholarship formed in his name in 2022.

The following is excerpted from AIA Virginia’s messaging yesterday:

“We are very pleased to announce the launch of the AIA Virginia Foundation. Our foundation has been formed exclusively for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes: to promote, support, and improve education, awareness, and appreciation of the architectural environment throughout the Commonwealth of Virginia. You can select one of these efforts to support: …

The R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA Scholarship – R. Corey Clayborne, FAIA, was in the inaugural Emerging Leaders in Architecture (ELA) class of 2009. Corey has served at local and state AIA components and is now the AIA Senior Vice President, Knowledge & Practice. Corey strongly believes in increasing diversity in the profession and offering opportunities for all to gain knowledge and advancement in their careers. In 2022, AIA Virginia established a scholarship in Corey’s name to honor his dedication to emerging professionals and provide financial assistance to those interested in participating in the ELA program.

The Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA Fellowship – The Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA Fellowship was established to honor the service and accomplishments of Helene Combs Dreiling, FAIA by providing emerging professionals opportunities to learn and grow through engagement with AIA events and programs. In recognition that such engagement benefits both the individual and the organization, and the cost of attending these events often discourages participation.”

In sharing this, by no means am I suggesting that you to contribute to the HCDFAIA Fellowship or even to Corey’s ELA Scholarship (sorry, Corey). Instead, I want all of my confreres and friends – particularly Mary Patton Cox, FAIA – to know how much this honor means to me! Circling back to the first point, on this day (or any day) and whether professional (or personal), consider directing a portion of your treasure towards your passion!

Photo Credit: William Stewart Photography