Landscape Architecture Student Wins Law Firm’s First-Time Scholarship

August 13, 2025

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N.R.E.D.

A woman in a black blazer stands smiling next to a poster displaying architectural plans and images for the N.C. A&T Science Building at North Carolina A&T State University.

N.C. A&T landscape architecture student Zuri Askew hopes that her designs will one day bring beautiful spaces to underserved communities.

From more than 450 applicants, a Raleigh law firm chose Zuri Askew — a rising sophomore at N.C. A&T — as the first recipient of its $2,500 scholarship honoring a cherished member of the firm.

“We chose Zuri Askew … as the inaugural recipient of the Sandi Fuqua Scholarship because her passion for creating healthier, more vibrant communities reflects the same heart for service that Sandi brought to our firm every day,” Ben Whitley, managing partner of Whitley Law Firm, said in an email. “We’re proud to support Zuri’s journey as she works to build a brighter, more inclusive future.”

Askew, a College of Agriculture and Environmental Services student studying landscape architecture with a minor in construction management, said she hopes to create green spaces that serve entire communities after she graduates.

While growing up in Norfolk, Va., the 18-year-old found it lacked outdoor spaces beckoning her to play.

“There weren't a lot of parks and different outdoor spaces that were nice and inviting to go to,” Askew said. “That drew me to landscape architecture, because I really wanted to create beautiful, inclusive spaces in those kinds of communities.”

Askew’s giving nature is evident in her volunteer work. She volunteers at the university’s Student Farm, in Faith Community Church’s garden, and with the Out of the Garden Project — a mobile fresh food market. She also mentors girls through the Shaping Stars and the Girls Like Me programs.

“She’s a highly motivated lady,” said Chris Harrison, MLA, assistant professor in the Department of Natural Resources and Environment Design. “She is going to be taking over our student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture as president in this coming semester.

“She’s always talking about trying to help,” Harrison said. “That’s her number one goal with acquiring this degree — helping the community and trying to save the planet.”

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