[Nawres] is proud to demonstrate to his former alternative school students — many of whom are immigrants from Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Iraq —that they, too, can achieve ambitious goals and attend a great university.

Nawres Shaao has steadfastly pursued his dream of becoming an architect. Though Nawres was interested in architecture from a young age, his opportunity to study in the field upon high school graduation was limited by set educational pathways in his home country of Iraq and immigration bans in the United States. War in Iraq then disrupted Nawres’ plans to learn about design through a different lens and pursue a degree in civil engineering; however, the destruction and damage to culture that Nawres witnessed only motivated him further. Nawres went on to earn his bachelor’s in environmental science at the American University of Kurdistan before immigrating to the United States and working as an alternative school teacher to support his family and siblings’ education.

Just two years after arriving in the US, Nawres earned acceptance to, and enrolled, in the master’s program in architecture at UM-Ann Arbor. He is proud to demonstrate to his former alternative school students — many of whom are immigrants from Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan, and Iraq —that they, too, can achieve ambitious goals and attend a great university.

Following his graduation, Nawres intends to build a career in architecture that centers sustainable practices. He is already recognized for his “innovative and thoughtful work” and “rare blend of creative and technical expertise,” as well as his commitment to improving the lives of others through his work.

CEW+ commends Nawres’ tenacious pursuit of education in architecture and names him a Grace A. and James D. Bruce Community Engagement Scholar.