SAUD News Release

June 5, 2006
Contact: Cindy Muckey, School of Architecure and Urban Design, (785) 864-3709.

Architects and Planners Return to Campus for the First Reunion in 92 Years

Professor Emeritus Dave Griffin offers Professor Emeritus Tom McCoy a beer in exchange for the microphone at the 2005 Architecture Reunion

Ninety-two years after Architecture was established at KU, the School finally took a break to look back on the accomplishments of its graduates, recognize many who had achieved so much in their careers, and create an opportunity for old friends to reconnect and for teachers and former students to catch up on each other’s lives.

More than 300 KU architecture graduates, faculty and friends gathered on Marvin Hall’s west lawn at noon on Friday, September 9th, at the kick-off Barbeque for the School’s first Architecture Reunion. Two days of memorable events followed Dean John Gaunt’s initial “welcome back” under the sun-bleached tents on the lawn. The Friday afternoon activities began with Professor Emeritus Lou Michel’s renowned lecture ”The Seasons of Michelangelo.” Nick Gilliland (B.Arch., 2001) then delivered an invited presentation, “Design and Process at the Musee de Quai Branly, Paris,” in which he laid out some of the challenges and discoveries he’s experienced in the early stages of his professional career in Paris. The afternoon’s program closed with Dean Gaunt moderating a round table discussion titled “Architectural Reflections from Three Decades of Graduates.” Arthur Andersson (BED, 1979), David DeLong (B.Arch., 1962) and Kristin Rosebrough (B.Arch., 1994) shared their insights and perspectives on how a professional life unfolds once a student leaves the protective confines of Marvin Hall.

A Friday evening reception at the Adams Alumni Center was filled to overflowing and Dean Gaunt used the occasion to announce the establishment of the new Griffin McCoy Scholarship in honor of Professors Dave Griffin and Tom McCoy, two of the most beloved and longest tenured members of the faculty who had both recently retired.

An Alumni Banquet in the Ballroom of the Kansas Union followed the reception. Dean Gaunt spoke of the School’s successful past and the accomplishments of previous deans. He presented special awards to several of the alumni, recognized individual alumni from different classes, and introduced the graduates in attendance to the current architecture faculty. Kevin Harden (BED, 1979; B.Arch., 1980), Chair of the Architecture Reunion Committee, then recalled experiences that were shared by many of the graduates and spoke of the importance of staying in touch with each other and with the School. Dean Gaunt ended the banquet by reminding everyone of the many parties that were planned for the various classes that were represented.

Professor Kent Spreckelmeyer and Dean Gaunt led a Saturday morning presentation and bus tour of the award-winning houses designed and built by Professor Dan Rockhill’s Studio 804. The event attracted two busloads of tired but enthusiastic architects who returned from the recently completed projects in Kansas City to join their colleagues at a Saturday afternoon Alumni Picnic on the lawn outside Marvin Hall. Several dozen of the graduates remained on campus and attended the evening football game and festivities at Memorial Stadium (KU 36, Appalachian State 8) and postponed their departure until Sunday.

The Planning Committee for the Architecture Reunion included Kevin Harden, Tim Cahill (B.E.D., 1976, B.Arch., 1977), John Casey (B.Arch., 1968), Katie Goldman (B.Arch., 2001), Gary Nevius (BED, 1975; B.S. Arce, 1975), Debra Smith (B.Arch., 1984), Dean John Gaunt, Professor Steve Grabow, Professor Steve Padget (BED, 1973), Justin Cratty (third-year B.Arch. student), Lincoln Lewis (fourth-year B.Arch. student), Patti Baker (Dean’s Office), Cindy Muckey (Dean’s Office), and Janice Cordry (KU Alumni Association).

Urban Planners Meet Earlier in the Year

The first alumni reunion of the Graduate Program in Urban Planning was held earlier in the year on April 30th with more than 90 of the Program’s graduates in attendance. Returning planners were welcomed at a luncheon reception where many old acquaintances were renewed. The evening’s activities were highlighted by a banquet at the Adams Alumni Center attended by all of the individuals who have served as Chair of the Program. These included: Tom Galloway, founder of the Program and now Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning at the Georgia Institute of Technology; Alan Black, Professor with the Program; Eric Strauss, currently Professor and Director of the Urban Planning Program at Michigan State University; and Jim Mayo, Professor and current Chair of the Program. Professor Mayo recollected many past events in the history of the program and Elinor Brown, the student president of the Kansas Association of Planning Students, presented her views of KU’s Urban Planning Program and its legacy. Professor Kirk McClure was acknowledged for his tireless and highly successful efforts in planning and promoting the reunion.

Architecture Reunion Photo Gallery

Urban Planning Reunion Photo Gallery

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