News Release

Michelle JaJa Chang, a graduating senior from Portsmouth, Va., has been named the recipient of an honorable mention in The Johns Hopkins University's 2005 Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts competition. The award went to classmate Mónica López-González of Towson, Md.

The $1,500 Sudler Prize is awarded annually, typically to one graduating senior or fourth-year medical student who does not plan to pursue a career in the arts but displays artistic talent. This year, Chang and López-González were selected out of 14 applicants to receive their honors. Not since 1998 has the committee awarded an honorable mention.

"The committee was really impressed with her creativity and her dedication to pursuing this art," said Julie Morgan, chair of the selection committee.

Chang submitted a book outlining her architectural projects and a model of a swimming center she designed. She also submitted material studies with plastic wrap, with which she experimented by compressing and weaving it into different textures and designs. An example of her plastic wrap work is viewable at myweb.jhu.edu/clubs/portfolio3.jpg.

Chang, who will earn her bachelor's degree in international studies, plans to pursue a masters in architecture at Harvard University next year.

"I hope my efforts have shown the Hopkins faculty and administration that there is a growing interest in architecture," Chang said.

The 21-year-old senior graduated from Western Branch High School. She is the daughter of Charles Chain Chang and Shaumin Liu. To speak with her, contact Amy Cowles at 443-287-9960 or amycowles@jhu.edu.