handle
May 07, 2020 By IIDA HQ
John J. Nelson Sr. Scholarship Winners on the Impact of Design
Jeremiah Brown, Lawson Dyson, and Serica Weaver share how design has impacted their lives, and how they plan to leverage their careers for good.
By IIDA HQ May 07, 2020

Scholarship winners for the 2020 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship are Jeremiah Brown, Student IIDA, of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; Lawson Dyson, Student IIDA, of the University of Kentucky; and Serica Weaver, Student IIDA, of Savannah College of Art and Design. Each student will receive $10,000 in scholarship funds on behalf of the John J. Nelson Sr. Fund.

This scholarship fund was established to support diversity and further the study of interior design and architecture for students of African American descent.

quote
This scholarship helps ensure the future of the design industry is equitable and that everyone, with any background, is included.
IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA
quote
IIDA Executive Vice President and CEO Cheryl S. Durst, Hon. FIIDA

John J. Nelson Sr., founder and principal of design for NELSON, is a known supporter of design education, diversity, and unfettered access to education. The Foundation values Nelson’s history of advocating to increase diversity in design and architecture by championing students of all backgrounds.

quote
Recognizing the need to further diversity within the design profession and to highlight design as a viable, rewarding career option, I was honored to initiate this scholarship fund.
John J. Nelson Sr.
quote
John J. Nelson Sr.

This year's video prompt encouraged students to reflect how design has impacted their lives, and how they plan to use design to positively impact their clients and their community. Please join us in congratulating our 2020 class of scholars, and enjoy their thoughts on design's impact below.

Jeremiah Brown, Student IIDA, University of Nebraska-Lincoln


Lawson Dyson, Student IIDA, University of Kentucky


Serica Weaver, Student IIDA, Savannah College of Art and Design


The 2021 John J. Nelson Sr. Legacy Scholarship applications open in January 2021. Explore other available scholarship funds, competitions, and awards here.

Featured Articles
View All Articles
View All Articles