Summer 2005
Alumni Council School of Architecture Career Day 2005
The UDM School of Architecture (SOA) Alumni Council recently held its fourth annual Career Day on May 14, 2005. The event was developed to inform prospective high school (and community college) students—who may be considering a career in architecture and applying to UDM—of the opportunities available in the field of architecture. According to Associate Dean Steve LaGrassa ’70, ’75, about 40 students and 19 parents attended the event, making this the largest Career Day attendance yet.
“So many young people have preconceived ideas regarding a career in architecture,” says Alumni Council president Steve Sussman ’76. “Many people believe they either need to be artistically talented or knowledgeable about construction, otherwise they would have little opportunity to become an architect.”
While the goal of the event is to educate potential students as to the myriad of different career paths within the field of architecture, there is also the added benefit of promoting the UDM SOA. The program began with tours of the School led by alumni, faculty and current students, followed by a comprehensive presentation given by Dean Steve Vogel ’70, ’75, that highlighted the School’s background, mission, programs, faculty, community involvement and awards. Next, the students participated in a fun hands-on design project led by Assistant Professor Will Wittig, while their parents toured the UDM campus.
There was then a panel discussion of practicing alumni professionals who each addressed a specific area of practice. The following alumni participated: Dan Caren ’79, ’81, of Harley Ellis Design, who presented on healthcare architecture; Beth Yorke ’84, of Barton Marlow Design, who discussed construction administration; Sarah Belanger ’02, ’04, (Council member) of DSA Architect, who spoke on design of educational facilities; Andy Sturm ’99, (Council member) of University of Detroit Mercy Detroit Collaborative Design Center, who presented on CAD design; Algimantas Bublys ’65, (former Council president) also of Barton Malow Design, who addressed the design/build process; and graduate student Justin Wieber, who spoke about his educational experience at UDM. Afterward, students and parents were able to obtain specific information through a question and answer period. Finally, students were treated to pizza and refreshments. They left with UDM backpacks, compliments of the Admissions Department, and handsome SOA t-shirts.
Also participating were alumni Bill Zaske ’99, Debra Davis ’84, ’02, and Lonny Zimmerman ’71, along with current student Erica Carvalho, who helped to make this was one of the most successful Career Day events thus far. A special thanks to everyone who was involved. If you are interested in helping out at next year’s event, please contact Steve LaGrassa.
by Steve Sussman ’76
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