Christian Esparza Wins 2018 Donghia Foundation Scholarship
Interior Architecture senior Christian Esparza was selected as one of twelve recipients of the 2018 Angelo Donghia Foundation Senior Student Scholarship. The foundation’s scholarship program, which was launched in 2002, awards scholarships to deserving students who are entering their senior year in a Baccalaureate Degree Program in Interior Design. Each winner receives up to a $30,000 scholarship to be applied to their senior year tuition, board, maintenance and books.
From an early age, Christian knew he wanted to study design. “It stemmed from my father’s interest in architecture and history. When I was a kid we would look at old houses together trying to envision what the interiors looked like and what we would do to increase its functionality. From then on, in my head no other career was an option. Once I got accepted into Woodbury University’s Interior Architecture program it felt like everything was beginning to fall into place. I transferred into Woodbury in the fall of 2016 from Pasadena City College. Throughout my time there I studied a variety of classes ranging from architecture, interior design, art, and graphic design.”
Christoph Korner, Chair of the Interior Architecture program, said, “The growing success at this award and scholarships is testament to the ever-increasing quality of our interior architecture program. Congratulations to Christian for his incredible work and dedication!”
As Christian said, “It was such an honor to be nominated by Christoph for this award. When I received my award letter I was shocked and tremendously excited that all the work I have put in these past few years was beginning to produce an amazing outcome. I could not have done it without Heather Peterson and Christoph giving their time and feedback on my Studio 6 project to improve my overall concept and design.”
Christian chose his project from Studio 6, taught by associate professor Heather Peterson, for his submittal. This year’s judges were comprised of designers, architects and representatives of the press, including: Aamir Khandwala, Andrew Petronio, Brook Mason, Caterina Fabrizio, Dan Rubenstein, David Scoot, Erik Maza, Jacqueline Terrebonne, John P. Greytak, Juan Montoya, Paris Forino, Robert Rufino, and Urban Karlson.
The Angelo Donghia Foundation provides support for the advancement of education in the field of interior design. Since its launch, including the amounts distributed to scholarship winners, the Foundation has awarded in excess of $15,000,000 to education and other causes.