Three University of Miami School of Architecture students–senior Daniel Clavijo, junior Jessica Stefanick, and sophomore Hitomi Maeno—have been awarded scholarships by The Villagers, a local group dedicated to restoration and preservation in the Greater Miami area.

Clavijo, a graduating senior who is receiving the award for the second time, said he was very grateful. “Preservation is important to me because we should leave nature, and the built environment, in a better state than we found it,” he said. Clavijo and Maeno each received a $4,000 scholarship and Stefanick received $3,000.

The Villagers recently awarded more than $20,000 for college scholarships to deserving students in Miami-Dade County with an interest in architectural historic preservation and restoration. Seven students were selected from the field of applicants based on scholastic standing, recommendations, and samples of their work as well as a statement of interest in preserving architectural past.

The Villagers, Inc., is a local non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration and preservation of historic sites in Greater Miami. The association originated with the efforts of a group of citizens who came together in 1966 to work to save the Douglas Entrance, one of George Merrick’s original public projects in Coral Gables. The Villagers has supported the University of Miami School of Architecture since 1985 and, to date, has given more than $142,100 to UM students.