Dasjon Jordan, a fifth-year undergraduate student in the LSU School of Architecture, was awarded the Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarship for the 2015–16 academic year.

The scholarship was established by the Simpson Strong-Tie Company to assist architecture, structural engineering, and construction management students at participating colleges and universities in the United States. Scholarship recipients are selected on the basis of academic record, demonstrated leadership, and participation in school and community activities.

Jordan will graduate from the LSU School of Architecture in May 2016 with a Bachelor of Architecture. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Jordan was motivated to help rebuild communities across the Southeast, including his own, in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. He has demonstrated leadership as an officer and member of LSU’s National Organization of Minority Architecture Students, a student organization that strives to create diversity within the design professions by promoting excellence, community involvement, and professional development of its members.

Jordan is also a student ambassador for the LSU School of Architecture and Success Coaches Chair for LSU’s Black Male Leaderships Initiative. While attending college full-time, Jordan is also a student intern at GraceHebert Architects and a volunteer for the LSU Museum of Art’s Neighborhood Arts project, a mobile community arts studio program that brings art-making to children. In fall 2015, he furthered his efforts to assist the Baton Rouge community by pursuing an independent studio project in partnership with the Scotlandville High Alumni Association to repurpose Scotlandville’s first fire station as an arts and culture center.

“I believe diversity and cultural inclusion in academic and professional environments are keys to creating inclusive and intellectually challenging communities,” Jordan shared.

Currently, Jordan is in the process of applying to graduate programs, including the Master of Urban Planning program at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the Master of Urban Studies and Planning program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

“I want to experience the culture of the Northeast,” said Jordan, “but ultimately, I plan to use these experiences to improve the marginalized communities in Louisiana through design.”

For more information about the Simpson Strong-Tie Scholarship, visit strongtie.com/scholarships.