Architecture Students Awarded 2025-2026 TAF Scholarships

Friday, May 30, 2025

Five students from the School of Architecture have been named recipients of the 2025–2026 Texas Architectural Foundation (TAF) scholarships. They join a distinguished group of students across the state recognized for academic excellence, design talent, and professional promise.

 

Established in 1952 by the Texas Society of Architects, the Texas Architectural Foundation supports the dreams of deserving architectural education students to enhance the quality of the academic experience at Texas universities. This year, the Foundation awarded $94,550 in scholarships to 65 recipients statewide. The following UTA students received scholarships for the 2025–2026 academic year:

 

  • Thanh Cao – AIA Fort Worth Charles R. Adams Memorial Scholarship
  • Vanessa Lopez – Malone Maxwell Dennehy Architects Scholarship
  • Kendall Starling – AIA Wichita Falls Chapter Scholarship
  • Ellin Torres – Hugh M. Cunningham Grant
  • Richa Verma – Mattia J. Flabiano, Jr., Southwest Terrazzo Association Architecture Scholarship
  •   

For Vanessa Lopez, a Master of Architecture student entering her final year, the scholarship holds special personal significance. "Winning the Malone Maxwell Dennehy Scholarship through TAF is incredibly meaningful to me, personally and professionally," said Lopez. "I had the chance to learn from Professor Malone as an undergraduate and later intern at his firm, so being selected for this scholarship is a personal honor. It affirms the growth I've experienced over the years and encourages me to keep pushing forward with purpose."

 

Lopez emphasized that the scholarship eases financial pressure, allowing her to dedicate herself fully to her final projects. "I want to use this year to take creative risks and work on designs that feel meaningful—not just to me but to the communities I hope to work with in the future."

 

Her advice to fellow students seeking similar opportunities is simple but powerful: "Just go for it. Even if you're not confident, applying is a great way to reflect on what you've done and are working toward. Be clear about your goals and let your passion show."

 

Lopez also emphasized the importance of community support. "Whether it's professors who believe in you, classmates who push you to do better, or mentors who offer advice, those relationships help you grow. Architecture is super collaborative, so it's important to have people you can learn from and lean on."

 

CAPPA's continued presence among the TAF scholarship recipients highlights the college's commitment to nurturing the next generation of architects and fostering a strong academic and creative community. The university and college congratulate these five students on their achievements and thank the Texas Architectural Foundation for its enduring support of architectural education across Texas.

 

Related:Fulbright Scholar Recipient: Empowering Urban Planning Across Continents