Francis L. Frybergh Memorial Scholarship

Francis L. Frybergh was a distinguished architect, educator, and industry leader whose contributions to construction specifications and materials research left a lasting impact on the profession. During his 15-year tenure with Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, he became widely respected for his expertise in specifications and his commitment to advancing construction knowledge. He also served as president of the Construction Specifications Institute, help to shape standards and practice across the industry.

Born in what is now Czechoslovakia, Dr. Frybergh pursued an international education, studying at the University of Heidelberg and earning a Doctor of Philosophy in chemical engineering from the University of Prague before immigrating to the United States and becoming a citizen. In addition to his professional work, he was a dedicated educator, teaching architecture at Pratt Institute and lecturing at universities nationwide.

In recognition of his commitment to education, professional excellence, and the advancement of the built environment, this scholarship is awarded annually in his honor to support and inspire future leaders in the field of architecture or construction related program.

The CSI Metropolitan New York Chapter is honored to commemorate the legacy of Francis L. Frybergh through the Francis L. Frybergh Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship aims to support students pursuing their first professional degree at an eligible institution* within the Metro New York area. Annually, up to four (4) $5000 scholarships will be awarded, with each recipient receiving a one- year membership to both CSI and the CSI Metropolitan New York Chapter.

To be considered for the Francis L. Frybergh Memorial Scholarship, applicants must meet the following criteria:

Full-time enrollment: Applicants shall be enrolled as a full-time student based on institutional requirements.

Eligible Program: Applicants shall be enrolled in an architectural or construction-related program at an eligible institute*.

Residency: Applicants shall be a resident of the New York Tri-State Metropolitan area.

Academic Standing: Applicant shall be in good academic standing with a minimum 3.0 college.

Re-application: Applicants may re-apply; however, priority is given to first-time applicants.

CSI Affiliation: Applicants must be linked to a Chapter member.

CSI Membership: Preference will be given to applicants who have an affiliation with a current member of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).

Eligible schools within the Metro New York are included:

(others can be reviewed and approved by the Board on a case-by-case basis)

Scholarship applications will be evaluated using the following criteria: 

Relevant Work Experience: Work history related to construction trades.

Personal Goals: Ability to communicate clearly defined personal goals related to achieving success in a construction industry related career.

Leadership: Leadership demonstrated through participation in extracurricular activities and civic organizations.

This is a one-time scholarship awarded to a student who will be attending an eligible school on a full-time basis within the Metro New York area. An alternate recipient may also be identified in the event that the selected recipient is unable to fulfill the scholarship requirements.

The scholarship provides $5000, which is disbursed directly to the student upon verification of enrollment for the fall semester at an eligible institution. The funds may be used to support tuition, fees, books, tools, and/or other education-related expenses.

To apply for the scholarship, please follow these steps:

1.     Submit the Online Application: Complete the application by August 28, 2026, at https://csimetrony.com/form.php?form_id=25&c=1.

2.     Submit Letters of Recommendation: Applicants shall submit 2 letters of recommendation, one from either professors or professionals affiliated with organizations where they may have interned, and one from a CSI member in good standings.

3.     Submit Transcript: Applicants shall submit institute transcript, confirming applicant is in good standing.

4.     Personal Statement: Applicants shall write a brief statement of interest in CSI, the importance, and benefits of becoming involved, and what they can uniquely contribute to the organization.  Please limit it to 500 words or less.

By accepting the scholarship, recipients agree to:

Full-Time Enrollment: Upon accepting the scholarship, the student agrees to maintain full-time enrollment (minimum of 12 college credit hours), attend classes regularly, model appropriate behavior and maintain satisfactory academic standing.

Release of Information: In submitting the application, the applicant grants authority for release of information contained in the application packet and to contact character references to CSI Metropolitan New York Chapter and the scholarship sponsor. This includes the right to promote and publicize the scholarship and recipient(s).

Ceremonies Participation: If selected, the recipient agrees to participate in ceremonies hosted to honor annual scholarship winners at the Chapters Annual Golf Outing in October.

Thank-You Letter: If selected, the recipient must send a thank-you letter to CSI Metro NY Chapter sponsor. Thank you letters must be submitted no later than one month after award is announced.

Academic Presentation: Present an example of their academic project work from their upcoming academic year at the following year’s CSI Metro NY Annual Business/Awards Meeting.