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Welcome to Flash Focus! In this series, we introduce you to fascinating student Flashes from all walks of life.

Meet Tommy Charnie, a junior architecture major in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design from Weirton, West Virginia, whose passions serve as daily motivators, fueling what many would call a packed schedule.

“As an architecture major, time is a premium,” Charnie told ����ֱ�� State Today. “Luckily, I’m passionate about architecture, which keeps me motivated.”

With a curriculum focused on architecture, design, technical skills, mathematics, 3D modeling and creative problem solving, architecture appealed to Charnie immediately.

"I chose architecture because I have always had an interest in architecture and design since I was young,” Charnie said. “I've always studied architecture in some form or another.”

In addition to his academics, Charnie is a member of the American Institute of Architecture Students, part of Sigma Phi Epsilon, and an active member in his community.

Charnie is currently studying architecture abroad in Italy.

For years, Charnie has been working with the Community Bread Basket, a nonprofit from his hometown that provides essential resources such as clothing, food, counseling services and other necessities to those in need.

When the Community Bread Basket was searching for a permanent location in downtown Weirton, Charnie couldn’t ignore the call for help. He knew a stable location was a critical step in ensuring the organization’s long-term impact.

“They want their building to be in a prominent location to bring more public awareness to the organization,” Charnie said. “Being located downtown would provide easier accessibility for their clients.”

Determined to make a difference, Charnie launched the Food-less Food Fest, an annual initiative encouraging community members to donate toward securing a permanent home for the organization. The in an article about the fundraiser.

“Before leaving for Italy, I addressed and stamped all the mailings during my Christmas and Thanksgiving break. I took them to the post office and mailed them out,” Charnie said. “Now that I am in Italy, the Community Bread Basket has started to receive donations from this fundraiser.”

While the initiative is ongoing and a permanent residence has yet to be acquired, Charnie hopes to maintain his involvement with his community as he further continues his education at ����ֱ�� State.

Charnie credits his success as an architecture student at ����ֱ�� State to his first-year studio teacher Thom Stauffer.

“He solidified that this is what I want to pursue,” Charnie said.

While Charnie is unsure what the future holds, he hopes to continue in the field of architecture and remain involved with his work at the Community Bread Basket.  

Are you a student interested in being featured in Flash Focus, or know a student who would make a great candidate? Send suggestions with name and contact information to kentstatetoday@kent.edu.