American College of the Building Arts Announces First Endowed Scholarship

New College Assures No Student Will Be Denied Based on Financial Need

(PRWEB) January 10, 2005 -- The American College of the Building Arts has announced the establishment of its first endowed scholarship fund. The Nancy D. Hawk Scholarship endowment will provide funds for qualified students to pursue 2- and 4-year degrees at the new college, which will open in August 2005.

The scholarship is named for Nancy Hawk, the current chair of the Colleges board of directors, who has been instrumental in helping launch the college. Hawk enjoyed a distinguished career as an attorney and political activist, and holds degrees from the University of Virginia, College of Charleston and University of South Carolina School of Law. She is also the founder of Mason Preparatory School in Charleston. The endowment was created by Hawks family, in her honor.

David AvRutick, President of the American College of the Building Arts, noted: We are delighted that the first endowed scholarship for the College acknowledges such an important person in the Colleges development. It is only appropriate that, with the Colleges commitment to ensuring that any qualified student is able to attend regardless of ability to pay, such an important piece of the financial aid package honor Nancy." AvRutick said. It is even more wonderful knowing that her family has chosen to honor her in this way."

The College, which will launch with 48 students (eight per major) and grow to approximately 144 over four years, will be the only four-year college in the nation to offer a degree in the building arts. Students will major in one of six disciplines: architectural stone work, carpentry, masonry, plaster, ornamental iron working and timber framing. Summer sessions will feature apprenticeships around the nation that will immerse students in their chosen field. With the successful completion of their coursework, students will receive either an Associates or a Bachelors degree in Applied Sciences.

Currently, the College is located in the historic Old City Jail in downtown Charleston. A permanent campus will be created on the nearby 330+-year-old McLeod Plantation. Both sites offer the students and faculty the chance to work together in a living laboratory that encompasses history and beauty. The inaugural class will study in transitional classroom and workshop facilities, and use both McLeod and the Old City Jail as their learning labs.

For more information, phone the college at 843 577 5245.

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