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PAVE Global Awards $30,000 in Student Aid to 30 Design Students

The annual program provided financial assistance to students at 24 institutions worldwide


Hollywood, Fla. (July 17, 2026)— PAVE Global has awarded $30,000 in financial assistance to 30 college-level design students through its 2026 Student Aid Program. Each student received a $1,000 grant to help cover essential living and educational expenses.


The program supports students pursuing studies in retail design, interior design, architecture, visual merchandising, industrial design, graphic design, UX/UI design, product design, and other fields related to the creation of consumer environments.


“Students should be able to focus on their education without having to choose between school and essential expenses,” said Dash Nagel, Executive Director of PAVE Global. “This program provides support students can use where they need it most, helping them continue their studies and pursue careers in the design industry.”

Recipients were selected based on merit and demonstrated financial need. Student names are not shared due to the program's need-based nature.


Supporting Students Worldwide

This year’s recipients represent 24 institutions across the United States, Canada, Ethiopia, Mauritius, and Mexico:


  • ArtCenter College of Design — Pasadena, California

  • Autonomous University of San Luis Potosí — San Luis Potosí, Mexico

  • British Columbia Institute of Technology — Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada (two recipients)

  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona — Pomona, California

  • California State University, Long Beach — Long Beach, California

  • Cornell University — Ithaca, New York

  • École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture Nantes–Mauritius — Pierrefonds, Mauritius

  • Fashion Institute of Technology — New York, New York (four recipients)

  • High Point University — High Point, North Carolina

  • Illinois State University — Normal, Illinois

  • Kean University — Union, New Jersey

  • Middle Tennessee State University — Murfreesboro, Tennessee

  • Savannah College of Art and Design — Savannah, Georgia

  • Texas Tech University — Lubbock, Texas

  • The Ohio State University — Columbus, Ohio

  • Toronto Metropolitan University — Toronto, Ontario, Canada

  • University at Buffalo — Buffalo, New York (two recipients)

  • University of Gondar — Gondar, Ethiopia

  • University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design — Houston, Texas

  • University of Massachusetts Dartmouth — Dartmouth, Massachusetts

  • University of Nevada, Las Vegas — Las Vegas, Nevada

  • University of Southern California — Los Angeles, California

  • Wentworth Institute of Technology — Boston, Massachusetts (two recipients)

  • Woodbury University — Burbank, California


Recognizing Our 2026 Student Aid Judges

This year, a record 30 industry professionals volunteered their time and expertise to review Student Aid applications, the largest judging panel in the program’s history. PAVE Global extends its sincere thanks to:

 

  • Adriana Dika, Tricarico Architecture and Design PC

  • Adam Hirsch, Hirsch Construction Corp.

  • Alec Zaballero, Arcadis

  • Alison Medina, Emerald

  • Anne Farniok, University of Minnesota

  • Caitlin Gurra, Chipman Design Architecture

  • Christine Sturch, Walgreens

  • Chuck Luckenbill, Luckenbill Retail Solutions

  • Cynthia Ortiz, MBH Architects

  • Dennison Lalla, Gilson Graphics

  • Ella Sandquist, IA Retail

  • Emily Moldovan, ZenGenius, Inc.

  • Jamie Poulos, OPTO International

  • Janet Reyes, Tractor Supply Company

  • Jerry Fox, Bish Creative

  • Joe Baer, ZenGenius, Inc.

  • Karen Pearse, Karen Pearse Stone and Architectural Surfaces

  • Kate Lee, Arcadis

  • Kathryn Patton-Miller, RetailOne

  • Lauren Chipman, Chipman Design Architecture

  • Maximus Coric, V I Z E X

  • Meg Lefeld, ZenGenius, Inc.

  • Melissa Manetta, Dynamic Resources Inc.

  • Monica Valente Harris, archiLOGICAL

  • Natalie Marzouka-Gould, Lowe’s

  • Nomi Cooper, Arcadis

  • Rebekah Sigfrids, Bank of America

  • Sam Jacobs, Pure Install

  • Susan Devine, Bunzl Retail Services

  • Wil Walker, Econoco Corporation

 

Through the Student Aid Program, PAVE Global continues to provide direct financial support to design students facing financial challenges. Applications for the next round of Student Aid will open in spring 2027.


The 2026 Student Aid Program was funded through PAVE’s Champions of Design monthly giving program and other fundraising initiatives held throughout the year.



About PAVE Global

Founded in 1992, PAVE Global is a 501(c)(3) charitable foundation dedicated to connecting design students, educators, and industry professionals worldwide. Through financial assistance, mentorship, and real-world learning experiences, PAVE Global helps students build successful careers designing and creating consumer environments. Learn more at www.paveglobal.org

 

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