Nwando Onochie Named Inaugural Recipient of Michael Marshall Scholarship for Yale School of Architecture

WASHINGTON, DC — Washington, DC-based architect Michael Marshall established the Michael Marshall Scholarship Fund at the Yale School of Architecture, which has named its inaugural recipient, Nwando Onochie.

Onochie received her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University. She applied to Yale for graduate work, stemming from her interests in “the built environment’s connection to public infrastructure, social equity, and material fabrication.”

“I am honored to be this year’s recipient,” Onochie stated. “This support makes it possible for me to take full advantage of the incredible opportunities at Yale. I look forward to my architectural education here and learning from the wide-net of innovate and exemplary voices active at Yale School of Architecture.”

Marshall, who is also a member of the Dean’s Council at the School, is active with the alumni community, supporting efforts to promote diversity, equity and inclusion and to build pipelines from undergraduate institutions for African American students to attend Yale. Marshall himself benefited from scholarships when he attended and graduated from the School with his Master of Architecture degree in 1984.

“The establishment of this first Fund in the name of a black architect is especially meaningful as we actively work to grow diversity here at the Yale School of Architecture,” said Dean Deborah Berke, FAIA, LEED AP.

Marshall’s career spans 35 years of dedication to design as a catalyst for positive change in communities, growing his practice over time to include significant projects that ensure that underserved and underrepresented populations benefit from the built environment. A hallmark of his practice has also been projects that celebrate African American history and culture. In 2018, Marshall’s work was accepted into the archives of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture. He has personally mentored more than 150 young architects.
“It is an honor to establish this annual fund at my alma mater,” said Marshall. “Today, I am proud to congratulate Ms. Onochie and look forward to following her academic and professional pursuits. It is a privilege to pass the torch to the next generation of talented architects whose voices will be reflected in their work, on behalf of the communities they will serve and represent.”

To learn more about this and other scholarship opportunities, contact Jill Westgard, Director of Development and Alumni Relations, Yale School of Architecture at jill.westgard@yale.edu.

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