History of the Neel Reid Scholarship

University of Georgia, College of Environment & Design

In 1947, Peachtree Garden Club received the Garden Club of America Achievement Trophy for establishing the Neel Reid Scholarship at the University of Georgia. The Neel Reid Scholarship is a perpetual scholarship in Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia, Athens, GA. The Scholarship was initiated in 1946 through the joint efforts of Mrs. Jesse Draper, a Peachtree Garden Club member, and Mr. Hunter Perry of Charlottesville, Virginia, to honor the memory of the distinguished Georgia architect, Neel Reid (both were personal friends of the architect). The intent of the Neel Reid Memorial Scholarship was to spread civic beauty and garden wisdom by providing the following: Tuition scholarships in landscape architecture, graduate assistantships; research projects; traveling fellowships; and promotion of the teaching and study of landscape architecture. 

Neel Reid's talents were devoted not only to architecture but to garden design, and his buildings and their place in the Georgia landscape are still serving as models and inspiration to students today. Neel Reid was a pioneer in the south in his treatment of house and garden as a unit, he considered each an ornamental and useful adjunct to the other. 

The original goal of the scholarship was to furnish the tuition fee, which was $250 in 1947. As support for the Fund increased, the scholarship fund was able to cover the living expenses of a worthy, talented student. It was necessary to accumulate $7,000 in principal to assure this annual gift which was accomplished by means of club activities and donations from friends and former clients of Neel Reid. These gifts were solicited primarily by Mrs. Draper on behalf of the Garden Club. 

Neel Reid Scholarships over the past 60 years have totaled over $1,000,000 and have benefited hundreds of CED students. The Neel Reid Scholarship is one of the largest scholarships in the College of Environment & Design.

The Scholarship Committee of the Peachtree Garden Club is comprised of a Chairman and eight members and the scholarships granted are only possible through the continued generosity of donors. 

Please submit your donations to:  
College of Environment and Design
Amanda Wilson
Development Associate
Jackson Street Building
Athens, GA 30602

T: 706-542-4727