The scholarship was unveiled Thursday in Brad D. Smith Foundation Hall at Marshall University in Huntington. During the event, representatives from ZMM Architects and Engineers, Marshall University and the Marshall University Foundation shared how this scholarship will benefit local students and contribute to workforce development in the state.
The scholarship is part of the Marshall For All initiative and aims to alleviate financial burdens for aspiring engineers from West Virginia, encouraging more students to pursue careers in engineering. With the increasing demand for engineers, this initiative seeks to nurture local talent and enhance the state’s workforce.
“We are proud to invest in future engineers through this scholarship fund and support President Smith’s vision of ‘Marshall for All,’” said Adam Krason, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, ALEP, principal and architect at ZMM Architects and Engineers. “This scholarship helps us alleviate financial burdens for West Virginia students and fosters a new generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the industry and the region’s growth. Creating this scholarship at Marshall University is a testament to our commitment to education and workforce development. What we do at ZMM is more than architecture; it’s about building a legacy.”
Founded in 1959, ZMM is recognized as the premier architecture and engineering firm in the region, employing over 65 professionals across operations in West Virginia, Virginia, and Ohio. The firm has been honored with 24 American Institute of Architects (AIA) West Virginia Chapter Design Awards since 2005, underscoring its commitment to excellence in design and community engagement.
Krason shared appreciation for those who made the gift possible. “We are able to make this contribution because of the opportunities afforded to us by our clients and the dedication of the ZMM team.”
Brad D. Smith, president of Marshall University, expressed gratitude for the partnership, saying, “We are immensely grateful to ZMM Architects and Engineers for their generous support toward our engineering program. This scholarship will make a significant difference in the lives of our students and is a vital contribution to our Marshall For All initiative. This partnership with ZMM will help ensure that more students can succeed – regardless of any financial constraints. Their support affirms a shared commitment to fostering the next generation of leaders, and we couldn’t be prouder to partner with them in this effort.”
The Marshall For All program allows Marshall students to combine scholarships, grants, work opportunities and family contributions to earn their bachelor’s degree without needing student loans, which will allow students to graduate with little to no debt. To qualify, students will need to complete a FAFSA annually and commit to actions such as graduating on time, pursuing work opportunities and participating in financial literacy programs.
The program, announced by Marshall University President Brad D. Smith in 2022, launched last fall with new first-year West Virginians and metro area students. The university will expand the program over the next decade with the goal of relieving student debt for all Marshall students by 2037.
The scholarship recipient will be a full-time student in the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences who is a resident of West Virginia. First preference will be given to a student who has completed or plans to complete an internship with ZMM.
The award will be renewable up to four years, or eight semesters, if the recipient maintains good academic standing of 2.5 GPA or higher. The dean of the College of Engineering and Computer Sciences, or their designee, will select the recipient and renew the award in cooperation with the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
For information regarding the ZMM Architects and Engineers Scholarship, please contact Marshall University’s Office of Student Financial Assistance at 304-696-3162.