A former Baltimore Design School Architecture student (BDS ’20) and friend of our firm, Marvin Pryor, was
taken by gun violence in March of 2022. Marvin Pryor had his sights set on the future for as long as his family
can remember. Known as ‘Papi’ among his circle, it was frequently said he was an ‘old soul’ with a contagious
smile as big as his heart, boundless curiosity and a talent for cracking jokes. Papi was genuinely interested in
people and their stories. Marvin was studying Architecture at the University of the District of Columbia. He
showed resilience in attaining academic excellence while managing the additional financial and social
responsibilities of growing up in a single-parent household. He was dedicated to his family and to his
community and was passionate about Architecture.
In memory of Marvin, SM+P Architects started the Marvin Pryor Memorial Scholarship through the College
Bound Foundation to allow other Baltimore City Public School Students to fulfill his dream of completing
university and becoming an Architect. The scholarship is awarded to students who are passionate about
the built environment and committed to pursuing a degree in Architecture or a related field (Architecture,
Landscape Architecture, Interior Design, Urban Planning, or Construction Management) at a 4-year or 2-year
college. Chosen scholars excel academically, give back to their communities, and demonstrate financial
need. The scholarship is open to all Baltimore City Students, with preference given to students from Marvin’s
alma mater, Baltimore Design School. Scholars are awarded $2000 each year for up to four years. In addition,
scholars gain access to the College Bound Foundation’s array of resources that help ensure students have the
support needed to complete college. The College Bound Foundation has been successfully working to send
Baltimore City’s students to college since 1988.
The scholarship is currently supporting two Baltimore City Public School graduates pursue careers in the built
environment. Donyele Taylor is a junior at University of Maryland Eastern Shore, majoring in Mechanical
Engineering, and Aaliyah Sephes is a sophomore at Howard University, majoring in Architecture. With rising tuition
costs, this scholarship is critical to ensuring Donyele and Aaliyah can access the education they need to join the
profession.
Ways to Donate
Donations can be made online through Marvin’s online giving page or via check:
https://secure.qgiv.com/for/marvinpryorms
Checks should be made out to the College Bound Foundation with “Marvin Pryor Memorial Scholarship” in the
memo line and sent to:
College Bound Foundation
c/o Courtney Dystant
2507 N. Howard Street, Suite 200
Baltimore, MD 21218
All donations are tax-deductible. Thank you for your support
