December 15, 2010 — Taylor Baskin, a second-year architecture student at the University of Virginia, has received the second annual Jerold Kreidler Scholarship Award, presented by the Washington, D.C., post of the Society of American Military Engineers.

Baskin, 19, of Silver Spring, Md., was one of 12 students recognized by SAME for academic excellence and professional potential. She will receive $2,500.

"I feel immense gratitude that organizations like SAME are willing to support my education, making my future goals more attainable," Baskin said. "Scholarships such as this make my ambitions more affordable, manageable and therefore more realistic."

Baskin's work is "currently on the pre-professional path for architectural design, and I am still deciding on a minor, which could likely be architectural history. I intend on going on to graduate study after finishing my education at U.Va. and working in various fields of design."

Baskin is a member of the U.Va. women's basketball club team, which posted an undefeated fall season and holds the East Coast championship title for the fourth straight year. She is also a member of the Delta Chi chapter of Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. As a first-year student, she received the Peer Advisor program's Harambee II award for academic excellence.

While she intends to go to graduate school, Baskin also wants to travel and work in major cities, gaining experience in design fields other than architecture.

Kreidler, the award's namesake who died in 2008, received his bachelor of architecture from U.Va. He was a member of the Society of American Military Engineers, the Military Officers Association of America, Air Force Association and Army and Navy Club of Washington, D.C. He retired at the rank of colonel following 32 years of service with the Air National Guard. He received numerous design awards, the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal and the USAF Outstanding Unit Award.

SAME, a professional society of engineers, architects and environmental professionals, fosters exchange of ideas and encourages teamwork between military and civilian design professionals. The Washington post is active in the local community with high school and college programs, construction industry and mentoring, supporting military and civilian professionals in and out of government, including student members.