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Sam Fox Ambassadors Graduate Fellowship Program



Four young adults and two older adults pose for a group photo.
Sam and Marilyn Fox meet with students in 2016.

The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts is excited to offer the Sam Fox Ambassadors Graduate Fellowship Program, which welcomed its first group of students in fall 2020. Through this program, the School awards 10 full-tuition scholarships each year to outstanding candidates for graduate study who demonstrate exceptional potential for advanced studies and creative research in their discipline. Ambassadors also receive an annual $1,000 creative activity and research stipend to support individual or School-sponsored creative activity and research. The tuition waiver and stipend are renewed annually for Ambassadors in good standing.

In addition, Ambassadors participate in a series of events each year designed to build deep and meaningful connections across disciplines that advance their creative work and scholarship.



Eligibility & Selection Criteria


Ambassadors are selected from top applicants to the following Sam Fox School degree programs: Master of Architecture, Master of Fine Arts in Visual Art, Master of Fine Arts in Illustration & Visual Culture, Master of Landscape Architecture, and Master of Urban Design.

No separate application is required. Finalists will be asked to participate in a remote interview with Sam Fox School faculty.

Selection criteria include:

  • Academic excellence
  • Strength of portfolio and written application materials
  • Capacity for creative and technical distinction in chosen field(s)
  • Demonstrated intellectual curiosity, initiative, and perseverance
  • Commitment to participating in an interdisciplinary community

Fellowship recipients will receive notification of selection in conjunction with their admission and financial aid information. Ambassadors are highly encouraged to attend the spring open house specific to their program. This is an important opportunity to experience life at the School and meet with members of the faculty and other Ambassadors.


Ambassador Highlights



Program Support


The Sam Fox Ambassadors Graduate Fellowship Program is made possible by the generous support of the Sam and Marilyn Fox Foundation. The program is named in honor of the Honorable Sam Fox, BSBA51, generous donor to the Sam Fox School, successful businessman, St. Louis philanthropist, and U.S. Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium (2007-2009).