AIA Marianas is pleased to congratulate the 2025 recipient of our annual scholarship, Camillah Joyce R. Mariano. A daughter of Guam, Camillah is an alumna of the Academy of Our Lady of Guam and will be using the $3,000 scholarship towards her architectural studies at the University of Notre Dame, School of Architecture in the Fall. She also attended the National Student Leadership Conferences for Architecture at Georgetown, Washington D.C and was a summer intern at Taniguchi Ruth Makio Architects.

Camillah is the latest recipient of the annual scholarship that is awarded to prospective architecture students with ties to the Marianas, attending NAAB Accredited Colleges or Universities. Started by Mark Ruth, FAIA, the annual scholarship is AIA Marianas’ opportunity to invest in the future of our upcoming design professionals. Camillah was presented with the scholarship by Renato Martinez, AIA Marianas President and Melet Santos, Chair of the Scholarship Committee during AIA Marianas’ 3^rd Quarter General Membership Meeting held at Jamaican Grill in Mangilao. There, she spoke about her growing passion for architecture at a young age that was fostered by her family.

In her application, Camillah wrote: “My love for architecture began when I sat on the right side of my family car – the front row seats to see the buildings that line the road – where I learned to appreciate the beauty in the built and natural world while analyzing my surroundings.  Due to the significant responsibility entrusted to designers like architects, I strive to obtain the best education to prepare myself for this role…” Camillah plans to return to Guam after completing her studies, noting the importance of not forgetting where you come from and those who have supported you.