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The Eugene J. Mackey, III Travel Scholarship

In 1958 Gene’s father, an accomplished architect, invited him to go to Europe on a six-week journey. His father decided that their trip would be documented with drawings, rather than photographs. Reflecting on the impact of his first tour abroad, Gene said:

“I will always be grateful for this special trip and its inspiration for me in my life. I am always curious, learning all the time, continually sketching to better understand and appreciate the world around us and what it can become.”

Gene was so inspired by this trip, he changed his major and enrolled in the School of Architecture at Washington University. He recalled:

“I remember the day a design instructor predicted that our drawing skills would diminish after leaving school and warned us not to let that happen.

‘Architecture’ he said ‘is a life-long adventure. You must continue to learn, and you must continue to draw.’ As a result, I’ve made a point of sketching for recreation ever since, and it has deepened my awareness of architecture and the spaces in which we live.

Each sketch records a precise moment in time expressing a specific attitude, point of view, and mood that resulted from the season and the time
of day. These sketches helped shape my travels, recollections, and thoughts about urban form, public spaces, and the way people use them.”

In honor of Gene’s tremendous career arc and legacy, we have created a permanent scholarship fund dedicated to allowing architecture students to travel and sketch abroad. This scholarship extends Gene’s love of drawing and is a tribute to the profound influence of travel in the training and enrichment of architects.

Highlights of the Scholarship:

  • Scholarship candidates must be enrolled in an accredited architectural program.
  • Successful candidates must demonstrate exceptional hand drawing and sketching abilities.
  • Upon completion of travel, the recipient will be honored with a public exhibition of their drawings.

Please consider making a contribution to the scholarship.

Make checks payable to “AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund” and mail to:

AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund
911 Washington Avenue, Suite 100
St. Louis, MO 63101
Attn: Gene Mackey Scholarship Fund

The fund will be managed by the St. Louis Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. The AIA St. Louis Scholarship Fund is classified by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) charitable organization. Donations to the Fund are tax deductible to the full extent of the law.

To make a payment online with a credit card, please click HERE. You will be redirected to AIA St. Louis’s online secure credit card page.

For all donations, you will receive an IRS compliant letter from the Fund.

We thank you very much.