F&M Stories
A Custom Blueprint for an Architectural Future
Transcending traditional academic boundaries to create a highly personalized academic experience — that’s the Diplomat way. Alex Scarboro ’26 is following his own blueprint for a career in architecture by designing a custom major in studio art and business, organizations, and society.
“My decision to combine the two disciplines was rooted in my innate love for architecture and art,” Scarboro said. “I have always been creative, and from a young age, I was drawn to the power of architecture. My dad (Fred Scarboro P’26) worked as a real-estate developer in the Washington, D.C., area, and I used to bring my toys to play around in the buildings while he was doing walkthroughs. In a sense, I feel as if architecture and structures have always been an essential part of my life.”
Scarboro is already building his professional portfolio, converting theory into practice by gaining hands-on experience in the field. He has completed several internships and formed an independent study with Bench Mark Program, a Lancaster-based nonprofit founded by F&M alumnus Will Kiefer ’14.
“I used my prior knowledge of SketchUp, a 3D design rendering program, to help Will expand his building,” Scarboro said. “Through numerous meetings, measurements, walkthroughs, and iterations, I was able to create an addition at the end of the semester and present my vision to Will and my advisers.”
“At F&M, you’re stepping into a community full of incredibly caring and passionate
people. That’s not just a feel-good phrase; it’s something you see and feel every
day. People at F&M want you to succeed, not just academically, but as a whole person.”
Scarboro also completed an internship this summer with Ley Ltd., a small, high-end home construction company in Washington, D.C.
“My responsibilities included helping install windows, demolishing pre-existing supports, building temporary walls, and organizing and cleaning spaces,” he said. “Though laborious by nature, the internship gave me the lens of those who make the structures, by hand and machine, that architects devise.”
This semester, Scarboro is expanding his knowledge of architectural styles by studying abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. He is currently participating in the DIS Architecture & Design program to explore Danish and Scandinavian design philosophies.
Scarboro, a sprinter for F&M Men’s Track & Field, said F&M’s vibrant and supportive community of Diplomats has been instrumental in preparing him for his post-graduate plans.
“At F&M, you’re stepping into a community full of incredibly caring and passionate people. That’s not just a feel-good phrase; it’s something you see and feel every day,” he said. “The faculty and staff have taught me innumerable lessons about what it means to be a part of the Diplomatic community. Whether it’s a professor staying late to help you work through a tricky concept, teammates pushing each other to grow, or peers checking in on each other during stressful weeks, there’s a culture of genuine support here. People at F&M want you to succeed, not just academically, but as a whole person.”
Alex Scarboro’s parents, Cheryl and Fred Scarboro P’26, recently established the Scarboro
Family Scholarship, a Franklin & Marshall Fund gift that provides financial aid for
F&M students. Supporting F&M has become a deeply personal investment for the Scarboros
— one rooted in their son’s outstanding experience and their shared belief that an
F&M education transforms lives.A Family's Gift in Support of Financial Aid
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