College’s 50th anniversary celebrated with yearlong series of events in 2019

Despite bracing wind and chilly days, the Langford Architecture Center bustled with happy excitement Nov. 14-16, as the Texas A&M College of Architecture celebrated its 50 ^th anniversary in 2019, ending a yearlong series of festivities with a slate of special events that brought back former students, faculty, staff and friends of the college to recognize the rich history and impact of the college and to usher in its next five decades and future potential.

Events included a Nov. 15 [Celebration of Learning: Reimagining the Future] (http://coa50.arch.tamu.edu/Events/Celebration%20of%20Learning/index.html) , a series of presentations celebrating the past, present and future of all of the college’s disciplines; a Nov. 14 Outstanding Alumni banquet at the [Thomas G. Hildebrand, DVM ‘56 Equine Complex] (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Hildebrand+Equine+Complex/@30.6151963,-96.3719442,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x8646825219b8cda9:0xbe524b107003fbfd!8m2!3d30.6151846!4d-96.3700425) , and a Nov. 16 [tailgate] (http://coa50.arch.tamu.edu/Events/index.html) on the Player Development Field across from the Hagler Center three hours before the Texas A&M vs. South Carolina kickoff.

Under a giant white tent set up between buildings during the Celebration of Learning, scores of people huddled excitedly to hear the words of keynote speaker Henry Cisneros  '68, a former secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, mayor of San Antonio and a Texas A&M [distinguished alumnus] (https://www.aggienetwork.com/distinguishedalumni/) .

"At this juncture of 50 years, we're touching the future by teaching and preparing the next generation and the generation beyond that," said Cisneros. "Because we're a school of building, a school of architecture, by definition we're leaving a legacy that will last beyond our time through the things we build and create."

Cisneros was one of dozens of esteemed leaders, including former and current faculty who spoke in panels, lectures, and workshops celebrating the past, present, and future of all of the college's disciplines. The full schedule is available [online] (http://coa50.arch.tamu.edu/Events/Celebration%20of%20Learning/index.html) .

“It’s very exciting to think about the college’s storied past and imagine how it will continue to play a leading role in shaping the natural, built and virtual environments,” said Jorge Vanegas, dean of the college.

Honorees at the Nov. 14 banquet were Jim Brinkley ’64, Omar Faruque ’71, Rahmawati (Ama) Husein ’11, Roy Rafael Pachecano ’88, Sue Ann Pemberton ‘76, and Lorena Téllez Toffer ’04.

The College of Architecture was established in 1969. The fledgling college, led by its first dean, Edward J. Romieniec, consisted of five departments offering seven degrees. Previously housed in the College of Engineering, the new college would expand throughout the years, moving into the newly constructed Langford A in 1977. The college’s [Department of Construction Science] (http://cosc.arch.tamu.edu/) moved into [Francis Hall] (http://cosc.arch.tamu.edu/about/francis-hall/index.html?fbclid=IwAR0EuIgAo4GU0VYISl9cs4f05B36fFgNL7M14xtf-k-uyXuwxivx8VlXIXs) in 2015.

Many academic developments and expansions have occurred throughout the college’s first 50 years, including the establishments of new degree programs, research centers, and the [Department of Visualization] (http://viz.arch.tamu.edu/) . More about the myriad happenings at the college through the years is available [online] (http://www.arch.tamu.edu/inside/history/century-excellence/) .

As part of the college’s 50 ^th anniversary celebration, its former students are invited to share memories of their college years at [https://50thanniversary.omeka.net] (https://50thanniversary.omeka.net/) . Memories can be submitted in a variety of formats: text, still images, video or audio files.

All submissions are available for public viewing on the site and selected submissions will be used in social media posts and additional celebration-related online posts and print publications.

Richard Nira
rnira@arch.tamu.edu