Evan Xiong Receives Dream Spaces: Diversity + Architecture Scholarship to Pursue Architecture at UW-Milwaukee
MILWAUKEE, WI – The Wisconsin Architects Foundation (WAF) has announced Evan Xiong as the inaugural recipient of the Dream Spaces: Diversity + Architecture Scholarship. This scholarship, funded by WAF, is dedicated to fostering diversity in the field of architecture by supporting individuals from underrepresented populations in Wisconsin. Evan’s outstanding academic achievements, passion for architecture and commitment to social issues have earned him the opportunity to study architecture at the UW-Milwaukee School of Architecture and Urban Planning (SAURP) with a full-tuition scholarship.
“The path that Evan’s family took to the American dream is truly inspiring,” said Kyle Reynolds, SARUP’s Head of School. “The Dream Spaces scholarship will empower him to pursue his own ambitions and use architecture as a powerful outlet for creativity and positive change. I have no doubt that his focus on addressing pressing social issues will lead to transformative contributions in our profession.”
Evan’s journey into the world of architecture began early on when he discovered the joy of constructing imaginative structures with LEGO blocks. As he grew older, his love for architecture deepened, prompting him to enroll in an early college credit course at UW-Milwaukee while a student at Greendale High School. His dedication and hard work led to an impressive 94% in the class, further fueling his desire to pursue a career in architecture.
Born to immigrant parents from Laos, Evan’s personal experiences have instilled in him a profound appreciation for the power of determination. Evan shared, “My grandparents fled war-torn Laos to the U.S. after the Vietnam War. They settled in Sacramento, California, with hopes of starting a new life for their family. As refugees who could not speak English, they utilized their expertise in farming by growing crops and selling them at flea markets. Through decades of farming, they successfully achieved the American dream of owning a home and sending their children off to college.”
With this scholarship, Evan plans to study architecture to support his personal and professional growth. He strongly believes that increasing diversity within the profession will bring a range of perspectives and ideas that can positively impact architecture’s evolving landscape. He shared, “I want to advocate for diversity in this field. With more diversity comes perspectives and ideas that could benefit architecture, where innovation and creativity is always evolving. I want to inspire young minds that architecture can be an outlet for their creativity.”
Jody Andres, AIA, the 2022-23 President of the Wisconsin Architects Foundation, highlighted the significance of the Dream Spaces scholarship program in a statement announcing the scholarship last fall. “With the Dream Spaces: Diversity + Architecture Scholarship program, we seek to grow the diversity of the profession of architecture because those who lead the future of the built environment should represent the full spectrum of its inhabitants and their array of life experiences,” said Andres.
In addition to his goal to inspire more diversity in the field, Evan also aims to explore how architecture can contribute to addressing pressing social issues, such as climate change and accessibility for people with disabilities. As he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his academic journey at UW-Milwaukee, he is determined to become a catalyst for change. By combining his passion for architecture, commitment to diversity, and dedication to making a positive impact, Evan Xiong is poised to leave a lasting mark on the architectural landscape in Wisconsin and beyond.
