The Diego Alejandro Zell Memorial Scholarship
The Diego Alejandro Zell Memorial Scholarship honors the legacy of Diego Zell by supporting future generations of architecture students who share his passion, dedication, and kindness. This scholarship empowers talented and hardworking individuals to follow in his footsteps, making a lasting impact on the field of architecture.
Diego Alejandro Zell was born on December 1, 1999, in Guadalajara, Mexico. Diego moved to Tucson, Arizona with his mother, Alejandra Zell, in 2005 who married Gary Zell in 2006 and together formed a beautiful family. They later welcomed his younger sister, Samantha in 2009, who he adored.
Beloved by family and friends, Diego thrived at Ironwood Ridge High School as a member of the National Honor Society, playing varsity football and graduating in 2018. He went on to earn a degree in architecture with honors from the University of Arizona in 2023, of which his family was very proud. While at the University, he was a member of the Tau Delta Sigma Honor Society in Architecture and Allied Arts, the American Institute of Architecture Students.
Diego loved going to church with his family and being part of the Santa Catalina Catholic Church community. During his confirmation class he got the opportunity to give back to the community working at different local charities.
Diego’s passion for architecture began in his childhood, and his commitment to the craft and profession was evident throughout his time at CAPLA. Before completing his foundation year in the architecture program, he had already interned for Chasse Building Team. Reflecting on his early experience at the time, he shared, “It’s never too early—you just have to be willing to try. If you want an opportunity and are open to learning, people will teach you.”
During his fourth year, he was selected as an Honor Award winner of the 2021 Richärd Kennedy Fourth-Year Studio Prize. Beyond his academic achievements, he served as a CAPLA Student Ambassador, sharing his enthusiasm for architecture and CAPLA with others. Following graduation, Diego began his promising architecture career as an architectural designer in Phoenix, AZ.
Away from work and school, Diego loved the outdoors, especially running and hiking, as well as traveling and spending time with his family. He had a very special bond with his grandmother, Graciela, who he nicknamed “Tita,” as well as his aunts Lupe, Sarai, and his cousins.
Diego died by suicide on March 24, 2024. He was never diagnosed with a mental illness. He suffered in silence from depression. He was a selfless person who would care about others before himself. His classmates, teachers, coaches, professors and co-workers all remember him as a kind, hard-working young man who put his heart and soul into anything he did.
He is survived by his loving parents, Alejandra and Gary Zell, sister Samantha Zell, and grandmothers, grandfathers, aunts, uncles and cousins in the United States and Mexico, all of whom will miss him greatly and cherish his memory.
His family and friends want to honor his memory by continuing their support to CAPLA architecture students and raising awareness about mental health. His mom Alejandra has vowed to commemorate his birthday by hosting a 5k run/walk each year working with local and national charities that could help others suffering from mental illness, especially young men.
May Diego’s memory live on forever in our hearts ♥