Announcing the 2025 Zabar Scholars
Since 2019, the Preservation League has awarded cash scholarships to outstanding preservation students studying in New York State. The Zabar Family Scholarship Program, established by former League Trustee Lori Zabar, continues to honor her legacy by supporting emerging leaders in the field of historic preservation.
Each year, the League's scholarship jury is inspired by the passion and talent demonstrated by our applicants. This year's pool was no exception, sparking a thoughtful and spirited conversation during the selection process. We are proud to introduce the 2025 Zabar Scholars — three individuals whose work stood out for its creativity, commitment, and impact.
Meet this year's recipients: Jack Christie (SUNY Alfred State), Sophie Hass (Columbia University), and Elizabeth Kostina (Columbia University).
Jack Christie is an architecture student pursuing a B.Arch at SUNY Alfred State. His educational path has been shaped by a hands-on commitment to community-focused preservation. While studying abroad in Piano di Sorrento, Italy, Jack collaborated on a design vision for the community grounded in local needs. He also led a research initiative in Allegany County, NY, focused on using historic transportation networks to promote tourism and regional connectivity. Jack hopes to become a licensed architect and use preservation as a tool to promote sustainable, people-centered growth in small communities.
Sophie Hass is a writer, historian, and soon-to-be graduate of Columbia University’s M.S. program in Historic Preservation. She holds dual B.A. degrees in American Studies and English & Comparative Literature from UNC Chapel Hill, where she explored the literature, culture, and geography of the American South. Building on research conducted at UNC’s Institute of African American Research, Sophie’s graduate thesis examines the cultural and spiritual significance of “Haint Blue” — a traditional paint color rooted in the beliefs of enslaved people and their descendants. Her work uses materials as a lens to tell deeper, often overlooked stories of place, identity, and history.
Elizabeth Kostina is a first-year student in the M.S. program in Historic Preservation at Columbia University, where she focuses on the intersection of emerging technologies and cultural disaster management. She currently serves as a Public Programs intern at the World Monuments Fund and is the managing editor for Future Anterior Journal. Her previous experience includes internships at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, TEDx community engagement, and research at Harvard’s metaLAB under Professor Jeffrey Schnapp. Elizabeth’s work combines preservation with innovation — developing approaches that will shape the future of heritage management.
We are honored to support these rising preservationists as they continue their academic and professional journeys. Their work reflects the values that Lori Zabar championed — thoughtfulness, innovation, and a deep respect for the many narratives that make up our shared heritage.
Stay tuned to the League’s blog and social channels to follow their work and learn more about how the Zabar Family Scholarship continues to impact preservation across New York State.