The Marc Appleton/Zeluck Scholars Program: A Model of National Outreach

A message from our President, Paul Gunther

At the May 7, 2012 presentation of the 31st annual Arthur Ross Awards for Excellence in the Classical Tradition (held as per tradition in New York’s McKim, Mead & White masterwork University Club off Fifth Avenue), it was my great privilege to announce the advent of the Marc Appleton/Zeluck Scholars Program. It is tied uniquely to the dynamic Southern California Chapter, which has done so much since its decade–old advent to advance Institute teaching and public service offerings across the nation today.

This new scholarship model is made possible by long-time trustee Roy Zeluck and Zeluck Inc. in honor of Roy’s late brother and essential colleague Kevin Zeluck.  Mr. Zeluck said it best in his remarks, “It is an honor to announce a scholarship award in memory of my brother Kevin and in namesake honor of Marc, one my most distinguished colleagues and someone whom I am proud to call my friend.”

The occasion was the presentation of the Board of Directors Honor to architect and author Marc Appleton, as occasionally occurs when the Ross Jury identifies an individual whose contributions to contemporary classicism and the Institute itself transcend categories and merit the board of director’s collective concentration and reflection in according its eponymous tribute.

This new Scholars Program sets in motion a $10,000 tuition scholarship to begin in 2013 for an outstanding Southern California student, practitioner, or other worthy resident to compete for a slot in what will soon be the Class of 2014 of the very successful Beaux-Arts Atelier (BAA).  The BAA is the first year-long design atelier offered in North America since the end of the Second World War which is tied to a rigorous Beaux–Arts curriculum.  The application deadline for the first eligible Class of 2014 scholar will fall in March 2013.  The precise details will be announced online and in print as they become available.

This new Appleton/Zeluck Scholars Program opportunity (following as it does the tuition assistance initiatives made possible by Richard H. Driehaus, Taconic Builders, the Northern California Chapter, and the Utah Chapter) goes a long way in assuring that worthy candidates from the region will be enrolled and then hopefully pass along the acquired skills and training to the Southern California region. Their respective career trajectories are of course what matters most.

A jury empowered by the ICAA Southern California Chapter to seek and identify a candidate worthy of the BAA certificate will adjudicate the selection. This jury’s candidate will then inform the national admissions committee to assure seamless enrollment.

Congratulation and thanks are due to all.  Next month we will be announcing the members of the BAA’s Class of 2013, who together will maintain the progress of this just-ending inaugural year.

To that end, please know that such direct student aide programs are essential to our ongoing development. We welcome any suggestions or proposals accordingly, especially if and when such designated support can be named in honor of worthy exemplars like those so far in place.

Despite the summer heat, we will be here preparing for the auspicious and dynamic fall season ahead and we will be doing so along with all of you working nationally to that increasingly common end.