Gift Will Endow an Annual Prize to Recognize Outstanding SCI-Arc Graduate Thesis Projects

The Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) today announced it has received a transformative $100,000 gift from world-renowned architect and SCI-Arc trustee Frank Gehry, and his wife, Berta. The noteworthy contribution will go toward the establishment of the Gehry Prize, to be awarded annually to the best thesis projects selected by critics and jurors in the Graduate Thesis Weekend hosted in September.

SCI-Arc Director Eric Owen Moss suggested a quote from Thucydides which conveys the spirit in which the prize is given: “They were born never to live in peace and quiet themselves and to prevent the rest of the world from doing so.” He also praised the donors, after whom the graduate thesis prize will be named, for the generosity of the donation and its prestigious nature. “The entire school community, including students, faculty, staff, administration and board, is extremely appreciative of this extraordinary gift to SCI-Arc,” said Moss. “Thanks to this contribution, we can warranty that SCI-Arc’s advocacy for architecture as a rousing, speculative adventure will endure.” The first Gehry Prize will be awarded at the 2012 graduation ceremony held September 9, 2012.

A SCI-Arc trustee since 1990, Gehry has kept close ties with the school, attending lectures, reviews and special events, and having an active role in the evolution of the institute beginning with its 1972 founding. Gehry’s long-time commitment to SCI-Arc will also be celebrated at the school’s 40th anniversary reception forthcoming in April 2013.