What began as one man's dying wish has become a beacon of hope for architecture students at Virginia Tech, embodying the transformative power of education and community support.

A Legacy Born From Loss

Nate Williams, a Virginia Tech alumnus and accomplished architect, left behind more than blueprints when he succumbed to colon cancer in 2020. During his final months, the 36-year-old envisioned creating educational opportunities for aspiring architects facing financial hardship. His wife, Faith Williams, recalls his determination: "Even at his weakest, Nate believed education could transcend mortality—that helping others learn would make his life count beyond its years."

Community Rallies Behind the Vision

Within four years of launching a GoFundMe campaign, friends and supporters raised over $100,000 to establish the Nate Williams Scholarship at Virginia Tech's College of Architecture, Arts, and Design. The fund specifically assists first-year students demonstrating both financial need and academic promise, with priority given to applicants committed to serving underserved communities.

More Than Financial Support

Recipients like Elijah Brown attest to the scholarship's life-changing impact. "Without this assistance, I would've abandoned my architecture degree," said Brown, now a practicing designer. "Nate's gift didn't just cover tuition—it validated that someone believed in my potential." The selection criteria emphasize applicants' community engagement alongside academic performance, ensuring recipients embody Williams' values of service and excellence.

Sustaining the Mission

Organizers employ multifaceted strategies to grow the endowment:

Storytelling: Campaigns highlight Williams' biography alongside recipient success stories.

Transparency: Annual reports detail fund allocation and student outcomes.

Community Building: "Novembeard" fundraising events originally supporting cancer research now also benefit the scholarship.

Measuring Success Beyond Dollars

Since its inception, the scholarship has:

- Supported 14 architecture students through full academic years

- Maintained a 100% graduation rate among recipients

- Inspired three alumni to establish pro-bono design clinics in low-income neighborhoods

The Road Ahead

Plans include expanding partnerships with architecture firms to provide internships and creating an alumni network for mentorship. "This isn't just about remembering Nate," Faith Williams notes. "It's about multiplying his belief that education can build better communities—one student at a time."