Donor Stories
Work Program Architects Design World-Class Campus Experiences & Establishes Endowment
Work Program Architects (WPA) was founded in 2010 by Mel Price and Thom White. Price serves as WPA’s CEO and managing principal. Its mission is to strengthen community through a collaborative design process. “We do this by taking on projects that aim to solve difficult problems around social, economic, and coastal resilience,” explained Mel Price. According to WPA’s website, the organization seeks to improve the lives of people and the ecosystem. The company is working on and/or has completed several high profile projects around Hampton Roads including the Elizabeth River Project’s new Ryan Resilience Lab, the William A. Hunton YMCA, Mary W. Jackson Neighborhood Center, The Chrysler Museum Perry Glass Studio Expansion, Next Steps to Success at the St. Vincent DePaul House, and Norfolk State University’s new science building. Touting a long partnership with Norfolk State University, WPA has recently established an endowment fund and will be inducted into the Lyman Beecher Brooks Society.
“The decision to donate to Norfolk State University was spurred by a long history of working for and with the University to transform students’ lives through world-class campus experiences,” continued Price. “We have been fortunate to design several buildings on campus including the new G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall and the forthcoming new science building. Our whole team has seen how much NSU has contributed to our firm’s success, and the decision to donate was supported and celebrated by all.”
Mel Price speaking about WPA's contribution to NSU
Regarding the newly established endowment, Price noted that the firm’s primary work on campus is for students. “We wanted to ensure that students who are studying the arts, theater and education can learn at the state-of-the-art institution that is NSU. We know that anyone graduating in these disciplines will end up giving back tenfold to the Hampton Roads community and so it’s an extremely easy investment to make. NSU is dedicated to excellence, integrity, engagement, diversity, inclusion and financial empowerment through a student-centered approach.” WPA’s philosophy regarding preparing young minds for the work world is embedded in its culture. The organization empowers young designers by tailoring their training to fit specific needs much like the University’s academic programming. “We ensure they acquire essential skills, knowledge, and decision-making skills for success in the workforce. We aim to equip young talent with the tools they need to thrive in their careers and contribute meaningfully to the workplace and society.”
Price believes that businesses and corporations play a vital role in supporting higher education. She says that this support is a symbiotic relationship where business can contribute through scholarships, sponsorships, internships and collaborative research initiatives. “By investing in higher education, businesses not only foster talent development, but also contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation, benefitting the educational institution, the corporation, and society at large.”
WPA has been steadily donating to the University over the years. NSU awarded the contract to design and build G.W.C. Brown Memorial Hall to WPA when the company was new. “The opportunity provided us with a springboard to grow WPA, hire talented people, and increase our positive impact on the community. We’ve been planning to give back from the moment we landed our first project at NSU. When the chance came to contribute to the University’s comprehensive campaign and enter the Lyman Beecher Brooks Society giving level, we decided that like NSU’s campaign slogan, Our Time is Now, Price declared. “We know that there is increased pressure on students to take breaks from school to keep student loan debt to a minimum. We hope that this gift provides a small cushion of financial stability that will allow NSU students to graduate on time. We believe in the positive impact they will have on society once they graduate, so the sooner, the better.”
If she had the opportunity to talk with potential donors, Price said she’d tell them that NSU is an exceptional institution filled with extremely hard-working students. “The school pride that Spartans feel is palpable far outside the gates and it invigorates our city and region. For corporations who have not yet visited the campus, please do. Once you experience the Green and Gold, you will be compelled to contribute to Norfolk State University’s legacy. Behold!”
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