Paint company’s foundation gives $50,000 in scholarships to two aspiring architects

Washington, DC – May 8, 2018 – Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation, in partnership with the Architects Foundation, is announcing recipients of its 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarship, which provides assistance to minority students who are pursuing a professional architecture degree recognized by the National Architectural Accrediting Board (NAAB).

“We are proud to continue to support scholarship programs such as the Architects Foundation’s Diversity Advancement Scholarship and assist and encourage students who are pursuing careers in the architecture and interior design fields,” said Mike Searles, CEO of Benjamin Moore & Co. and Chairman of the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation. “We congratulate Caroline Senyszyn of Fort Worth, Texas and Maly Sears of Adrian, Missouri on earning the 2018-2019 Diversity Advancement Scholarships and look forward to seeing how the next generation of architects shapes the industry.”

As part of the scholarship, Senyszyn and Sears will each receive $5,000 annually for five years and will have the opportunity to attend the AIA Conference on Architecture 2018 in New York City this June.

“Thanks to Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation, we are able to provide the top two Diversity Advancement Scholarship recipients with additional funding and opportunities to travel to AIA’s annual conference,” said Marci Reed, Executive Director of the Architects Foundation. “We are truly grateful to Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation for their support of minority students aspiring to become architects.”

Over the past three years, Benjamin Moore Foundation has been committed to supporting the architecture and design fields, which has included donating $150,000 to support aspiring architects through the Diversity Advancement Scholarship program.

Each year, the program selects two candidates, which must be either high school seniors and transfer students planning to attend architecture school , or first-year college students currently enrolled in a NAAB-accredited architecture program. In order to enroll, qualified candidates must submit two examples of their creative work, a high school transcript, a personal essay, and two letters of recommendation, among other requirements.

Complete details on the Diversity Advancement Scholarship program are available on the Architects Foundation website.

About Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore & Co., a Berkshire Hathaway company, was founded in 1883. One of North America’s leading manufacturers of premium quality residential, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings, Benjamin Moore & Co. maintains a relentless commitment to innovation and sustainable manufacturing practices. The Benjamin Moore premium portfolio spans the brand’s flagship paint lines including Aura®Regal® SelectCENTURY®Ultra Spec®Natura® and ben®. The Benjamin Moore & Co. Family of Brands includes specialty and architectural paints from Coronado®, Lenmar® and Insl-x®. Benjamin Moore & Co. coatings are available primarily from its more than 5,000 locally owned and operated paint and decorating retailers.

Charitable Giving at Benjamin Moore & Co.
Benjamin Moore and the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation are committed to enhancing North American communities. Through in-kind and financial donations, Benjamin Moore & the Benjamin Moore & Co. Foundation are able to support numerous national and regional nonprofits that embody their giving mission including AIA Architects Foundation, Gary Sinise Foundation, National Trust for Historic Preservation, The Mission Continues and YouthBuild® USA, among others. Additionally, teams of Benjamin Moore employee volunteers give thousands of hours each year to charities across North America.

About The Architects Foundation
The Architects Foundation was created to celebrate architecture’s value by advancing tomorrow’s design leaders and preserving architectural treasures of the past. Through its scholarship programs, the Foundation aims to attract and cultivate a diverse next generation of architects, and provide new opportunities to support the evolution of the profession. The Architects Foundation also preserves the historic Octagon building in the nation’s capital, seeking ways to best express the values of historic preservation work and keep the Octagon’s legacy alive with exhibits, educational programs and partnerships. For more information, visit the Architects Foundation website.

About The American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Founded in 1857, AIA consistently works to create more valuable, healthy, secure, and sustainable buildings, neighborhoods, and communities. Through more than 200 international, state, and local chapters, AIA advocates for public policies that promote economic vitality and public wellbeing. Members adhere to a code of ethics and conduct to ensure the highest professional standards. AIA provides members with tools and resources to assist them in their careers and business. In addition, the Institute engages civic and government leaders and the public to find solutions to pressing issues facing our communities, institutions, nation, and world.