Ryan Decker, a senior industrial design major from Hendersonville, is the 2018–19 Celia Moh Scholarship recipient. Photo submitted
BOONE, N.C. — For the third consecutive year, an Appalachian State University student has been selected to receive the Celia Moh Scholarship. Ryan Decker, a senior industrial design major from Hendersonville, is the newest Moh Scholar. This prestigious scholarship will pay Decker’s full tuition, room, board, books and fees for the 2018–19 academic year.
Decker is one of only three students from across the country to receive the scholarship this year. The scholarship is awarded through the Celia Moh Scholarship Foundation, which was established in 2001 by Laurence Moh, a home furnishings industry leader and entrepreneur, to honor his wife, Celia Moh.
As part of the scholarship application process, Decker completed an extensive questionnaire, wrote a personal essay, obtained recommendations from his instructors and provided a college transcript illustrating his exceptional academic achievements. He and the other recipients were chosen by a scholarship committee comprised of notable home furnishings industry executives.
Decker specializes in furniture design, one of two concentrations offered by the industrial design major in Appalachian’s Department of Applied Design. He said it can be an expensive concentration and is immensely grateful for the award.
“We purchase wood, metal, foam, drawing supplies, hand tools, saw blades, glue, hardware and a variety of other supplies, and it adds up quickly,” he shared. “Last semester, I had to take a loan out solely to finish building a small cabinet, but next year I won’t have any of that additional stress. I’ll be able to focus solely on my design work.”
Richard Prisco, professor of industrial design and director of the furniture design program at Appalachian, said he was pleased to hear Decker was chosen as a Moh Scholar. Prisco praised Decker’s hard work throughout his time in the program.
“Ryan is an excellent candidate to receive the Celia Moh Scholarship,” Prisco stated. “His dedication to his craft and the program, along with his work ethic, ensures that he will be a contributing member to the furniture industry after graduation. The Celia Moh Foundation is a wonderful organization, and the furniture design program at Appalachian is honored that Ryan is a 2018 recipient.”
Decker said he is looking forward to his final year at Appalachian and his continued work with faculty and students in the industrial design program.
“My professors are all immensely talented and wonderful mentors and have helped push me to a place I didn’t know was possible,” he shared. “I plan to focus entirely on my creative efforts, both in and out of the classroom. I might even be able to help some other students, too!”
About the Department of Applied Design
One of seven departments housed in the College of Fine and Applied Arts, the Department Applied Design at Appalachian State University fosters excellence in design education, design research and professional placement. The department balances theoretical and pragmatic approaches while exploring an awareness of impact through design decisions on the global community. Faculty focus on a holistic approach to creative problem-solving by integrating sustainability and ethical responsibility in teaching and practice. The department offers bachelor’s degrees in apparel design and merchandising, industrial design and interior design. Learn more at https://design.appstate.edu.
About the College of Fine and Applied Arts
Appalachian State University’s College of Fine and Applied Arts is a dynamic and innovative group of seven academic departments, bringing together a variety of perspectives, experiences and real-world education to provide unique opportunities for student success. The college has more than 3,500 undergraduate and graduate majors. Its departments are Applied Design, Art, Communication, Military Science and Leadership, Sustainable Development, Sustainable Technology and the Built Environment, and Theatre and Dance. Learn more at https://cfaa.appstate.edu.
About Appalachian State University
As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.
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