Architecture, visualization profs earn 2015 AFS excellence awards

Nancy Klein and Donna Hajash, two faculty members at Texas A&M’s College of Architecture, were honored for excellence, leadership and selfless service with [Distinguished Achievement Awards] (http://www.aggienetwork.com/programs/awards/daul/) from [The Association of Former Students] (http://www.aggienetwork.com) .

Klein, an associate professor of architecture, Hajash, a senior lecturer in the Department of Visualization, and 22 fellow honorees in seven categories were presented with the awards at an April 27, 2015 ceremony at Rudder Theatre.

“Thanks to this year’s worthy recipients, and to all who have dedicated their professional careers to Texas A&M, we are on the right track toward our goal of being known as one of the nation’s truly great land-grant and public universities,” said Dr. Mark A. Hussey, interim president of Texas A&M.

Honorees were selected by a 65-member, universitywide committee — composed of faculty, students, staff and former students — based on letters of nomination, a resumé and letters of support from colleagues and students.

Each recipient received an award plaque, an engraved watch and a cash gift.

Klein earned an award for teaching excellence, which is presented to faculty whose communication skills, commitment to the learning process and command of a discipline exemplify the meaning of “teacher.” She specializes in the art and architecture of ancient Greece and Rome.

“Her passion inspired me to continue learning how architecture can shape the human experience,” said a former student in a letter supporting Klein’s nomination. “Every one of her lectures is another adventure into the ancient world.”

Klein, who joined the college faculty in 2006, earned Ph.D. and master’s degrees in classical and near eastern archaeology at Bryn Mawr College in 1991 and 1986, and a Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology and French at the University of Michigan in 1984.

Hajash, who specializes in publication design and typography, earned an individual student relationships award. This award’s recipients are recognized for giving time and effort to nurture student growth and whose professional relationships with students are particularly helpful and inspiring.

“Had it not been for those formative design courses taught by Donna at Texas A&M, I would never have fallen in love with design and been wiling to pursue my current path,” said a former student in a letter of support for Hajash’s nomination. “There is not a day that goes by that I am not reminded of what I learned from her.”

Hajash earned a Master of Arts in Design Graphics at Siena Heights University and a Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art at the University of California-Santa Barbara in 1974.