CALENDAR HIGHLIGHTS:
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Feature Stories

Harold Adams (right) looks over student work in Taeg Nishimoto's (left) design studio. Adams, a member of the Class of 1961, is an avid supporter of the College of Architecture.

Harold Adams establishes three
interdisciplinary professorships at
Texas A&M College of Architecture

Three interdisciplinary professorships, one for each department in the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University, were established this year by generous donations from Harold L. Adams of Baltimore, Md., chairman emeritus of RTKL Associates and a member of Texas A&M’s class of 1961.

Adam’s recent $300,000 pledge will create two additional professorships, almost tripling his original commitment, which created the first-of-its-kind Harold L. Adams ’61 Interdisciplinary Professorship in the Department of Architecture. That $180,000 gift was announced last December.

For full story:
http://archone.tamu.edu/archcom/archoneUpdate/
full_6-15-06_Adams.htm

College of Architecture announces
several administrative appointments

In preparation for the 2006-07 academic year, Tom Regan, dean of the College of Architecture recently announced a number of administrative changes at the college and department levels. The changes take effect July 1, 2006.

For a list of recent administrative appointments visit:
http://archone.tamu.edu/archcom/archoneUpdate/
full_6-15-06_Appointments.htm

College caps centennial year with
ad in July-Aug. Texas Architect

The College of Architecture's yearlong centennial celebration wrapped up last spring with a gala celebration at at the Miramont Country Club.

To honor the sponsors of that very successful event, the college has placed a full page advertisement in the upcoming July-August issue of Texas Architect magazine.

Those who can't wait, can preview the ad here:
http://archone.tamu.edu/archcom/archoneUpdate/
PDFs/Texas_Architect_Ad.pdfv

Bame researching use of 211
number for non-emergency help

Most people know to dial 911 for emergencies and 411 for directory assistance, but dialing 211 for non-emergency help is news to many. A Texas A&M University health and community-planning professor is studying how people use 211 resources to discover ways to make these resources even more useful to their communities.

“211 numbers are administered by local agencies like United Way and provide a central information and referral network for any non-emergency need that arises in their communities,” says Sherry Bame, a professor of urban planning affiliated with the university’s Hazards Reduction and Recovery Center. “Trained staff members answer 211 calls for assistance, then log the calls into a database that can be analyzed to evaluate the nature and level of a community’s unmet needs.”

For full story:
http://archone.tamu.edu/archcom/archoneUpdate/
full_6-15-06_Phone.htm

PBS series on sustainable design
will not air on in College Station

“design:e2,” the new six-part PBS series on sustainable design narrated by Brad Pitt, will not have a very large audience in Brazos County. The College Station PBS affiliate, KAMU, is not airing the program, nor are the main “must carry” affiliates available to standard satellite TV subscribers in the area — KNCT in Killeen and KWBU in Waco.

However, those fortunate enough to subscribe to the high-definition PBS channels out of Waco and Killeen (or elsewhere in Texas and the U.S.) can watch the highly acclaimed program, which is continuing on KNCT-HD and KWBU-HD at 9:30 a.m. on Fridays.

Also, streaming video is available on the design:e2 Web site and several video and audio segments from the show will soon be available in a variety of formats, including video podcasts. The Web site can be accessed at http://www.design-e2.com/.

“design:e2 (the economies of being environmentally conscious)” is an original six-part series that explores the vitality of the environment through eco-friendly architecture. Narrated by Brad Pitt and masterfully shot in high-definition, the series introduces viewers to the inventive leaders and technologies driving sustainable practices worldwide in the design of buildings where we live, work, and play.

The first episode, "The Green Apple," demonstrates how the ubiquitous skyscraper can surprisingly be a model of environmental responsibility. In the second episode, architect and activist Sergio Palleroni continues his mission to provide design solutions to humanitarian crisis regions. “The Green Machine” follows Mayor Richard M. Daley as he strives to make Chicago “the greenest city in America.” The fourth episode takes the notion of the three R’s (reduce, reuse, recycle) to grand proportions by turning Boston’s “Big Dig” waste into spectacular residential design. “China: from Red to Green?” depicts a country at its tipping point and finds a sustainable solution in Steven Holl’s Beijing project. The final episode, “Deeper Shades of Green,” presents some of the most remarkable visionaries who are changing the face of architecture and environmentalism: Ken Yeang, Werner Sobek and William McDonough.

Administrative Notes

Answers offered to most frequently
asked brand alignment questions

Texas A&M University is currently engaged in a “brand alignment” process aimed at defining and articulating Texas A&M University’s core purpose and values for marketing and communications initiatives.

On the university’s behalf, the Austin firm, GSD&M, initiated the project last year, conducting a brand alignment audit. Currently, Mike Dollen with IVUE Institute, a provider of brand alignment services, is assisting the alignment initiative, focusing his efforts at various touchpoints across the university.

Dollen recently prepared a list of responses to the 24 most frequently asked questions regarding the Texas A&M branding initiative. That list is provided in PDF format via the link below.

Anyone in the College of Architecture with questions or comments regarding this branding initiative may contact Phillip Rollfing at prollfing@archone.tamu.edu. Rollfing serves as the college’s representative on the university’s Brand Alignment Council.

Brand alignment FAQ:
http://archone.tamu.edu/archcom/archoneUpdate/PDFs/
brandingFAQ.pdf

University offers advanced
diversity training July 24-26

The Department of Multicultural Services at Texas A&M University is offering a three-day advanced diversity training program July 24 - 26. The program combines theory with practice to give participants the essential tools necessary to design, promote and present a variety of diversity education opportunities.

Dubbed the "Advanced Diversity Institute," the course is designed for people interested in the development, management or training components of diversity education initiatives, who have some existing knowledge of the issues of diversity and diversity education. The program introduces methods designed to promote general cultural awareness, as well as ways to facilitate effective dialogue.

For registration and information, contact Marisa Suhm or Wanda Martin at 979-862-2000 for e-mail wj-martin@tamu.edu. Details and registration information is also available online at http://aggieculture.tamu.edu/dti/

Writing Center offers grammar,
punctuation workshop for faculty

Faculty, lecturers and graduate teaching assistants are encouraged to register for the University Writing Center's summer workshop, "What We Have in Comma: Trials and Tribulations of Teaching and Grading Grammar."

The workshop is slated 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. July 28 at the Bright Complex overlooking Kyle Field.

Valerie Balester, UWC executive director, selected grammar and punctuation as a topic in response to faculty interest.

“Correcting every student error is time-consuming and typically futile," Balester said, "so we'll explore some more effective and less labor-intensive ways of addressing errors. It's important that our students learn the conventions of usage in academic and professional writing. Following those conventions helps establish common ground with readers, and that's crucial to effective writing."

Sometimes, though, instructors themselves don't fully understand the rules of grammar, or they're confused because conventions change over time.

"Some of us learned not to split infinitives or end sentences with a preposition," Balester said. "But as those 'rules' fall out of favor, we're no longer sure what constitutes an error. This workshop will address some of those questions."

For more information, contact Brady Creel at 845-2110 for e-mail bradycreel@tamu.edu.

To register for the workshop, visit: http://writingcenter.tamu.edu/julyworkshop

Status report on computer
laboratories — as of 6/09/06

Reasons for not being operational
* 1 - One 9600 has banding issues.
Waiting on Adobe CS2 for the labs

This Week's Calendar

Through June 29

Dick Davison exhibit: Selected drawings and book pages by Dick Davison, architecture professor and drawing instructor at Texas A&M's College of Architecture, will be on exhibit June 2 - 29 at the Texas Gallery in the P. David Romei Arts Center, located at 2275 Dartmouth Street in College Station. The exhibit is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. A public reception for the artist will be held 5:30 p.m. Thursday, June 15. For more on the Davison exhibit, visit the Arts Council of Brazos Valley Web site: http://www.acbv.org/

Monday — June 19

Q-Drop: Last day for all students to drop courses with no penalty for the first term.

Calendar Highlights:

June 30

First summer session ends: Last class day of the first summer term classes.

July 3

Final exams for first summer term.

July 4

Independence Day: Faculty and staff holiday.

July 5

Second summer session begins: The summer’s second term classes get under way.

July 9 - 14

CampARCH+ is an exclusive week-long interdisciplinary experience designed to acquaint students with the study of and potential careers in professions utilizing architecture, visualization, construction science, landscape architecture, and urban planning. Activities include lectures, design/build activities, digital photography, video editing and presentations by faculty in the College of Architecture. Additional activities include workshops in basic design and materials, individual and group projects, a review and critique of projects, and information about attending Texas A&M University and the College of Architecture. To learn more, visit the CampARCH+ Web site at http://archone.tamu.edu/college/careerhorizons/.

July 10 - 14

Youth Adventure Program: For more information, please contact Donald Sweeney at dsweeney@archmail.tamu.edu.

July 19

Q-Drop: Last day for all students to drop courses with no penalty for the 10-week summer term.

July 24

Research Proposal Presentation: 10 a.m. - noon in Langford A 323. "Decision Support System for Real Estate Construction" — Committee members: Leslie Fegenbaum, Robert Johnson, and M. Haque For more information, please contact Sharmistha Ghosh at 979-997-6479 or e-mail sghosh81@yahoo.com.

July 29

Q-Drop: Last day for all students to drop courses with no penalty for second summer term.

August 7

Second summer sessions end: Last class day of the second summer term and 10-week semester classes.

August 8-9

Final exams for second summer term and 10-week classes.

August 21 - September 8

Architectural Photography Exhibit featuring 25 large format photographs of architecture by Marcel Erminy. For more information, contact Marcel Erminy at 845-1015 or e-mail merminy@tamu.edu.

August 11

Summer commencement and commissioning

COSC graduation reception: The Department of Construction Science will hold a reception for summer 2006 graduates 5:30 - 8 p.m. in the Langford A atrium. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood at 845-0289 or e-mail aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu.

August 22

COSC Department Retreat: The Department of Construction Science will hold a daylong departmental retreat at the 7-F Lodge. The event is scheduled from 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. Directions are available on the 7F Lodge Web site: http://www.7flodge.com/Directions.htm.

August 25

College faculty/Staff meeting: College of Architecture faculty and staff meet 10 a.m. in the Langford B auditorium,. Lunch will be served in the Langford B Exhibit Hall after the meeting.

August 27

Freshman Convocation is a 45-60 minute ceremony that welcomes freshmen to Texas A&M University's community of learners in a manner similar to the community's recognition of students' graduation at commencement. The university president offer some inspiration remarks urging students to make their Texas A&M education a life changing experience. For more details on this event, visit http://www.tamu.edu/freshmanconvocation/about.htm

August 28

Classes start: First day of fall 2006 semester gets under way.

September 3

MSC Open House showcases student groups: The annual Memorial Student Center Fall Open House will be held the first Sunday of the semester in the MSC, Rudder Exhibit Hall and G. Rollie White Coliseum from 1 – 6 p.m. This is Texas A&M's largest recruiting event for recognized campus organizations. An estimated 13,000 people attend every fall. Tables for recognized student groups can be reserved now at the MSC Box Office in the lobby of Rudder Tower. Tables are $35 and can be purchased using cash, a student organization finance check, interdepartmental transfer, Aggie Bucks or credit card. Tables will remain on sale until all the space is taken or Wednesday, August 30, whichever comes first. Students, faculty, staff and the community are invited to attend. Registration forms are available online at http://mscopenhouse.tamu.edu/. For more information, contact Heather Hartman at 979.845.626, e-mail marketing@msc.tamu.edu or visit http://mscopenhouse.tamu.edu/.

September 4-8

German Study Abroad Exhibit: Students who participated in the spring 2006 study abroad program in Düsseldorf, Germany will exhibit their work in the Langford B Exhibit Hall. For more information, contact Dolores Gonzales at 458-0102 or e-mail dgonzales@archone.tamu.edu.

September 8

Academic Convocation: In academia, the word "convocation" refers to a ceremonial assembly of the members of a college or university. Traditionally, academic convocations celebrate special events such as the beginning of the academic year or the anniversary of an institution. In 1997, Texas A&M re-established the practice of Academic Convocation as a celebration of the university's progress and an opportunity to discuss the university's plans for the future. To learn more about this annual event, visit http://www.tamu.edu/conv/

September 11

CIAC members recruit at COSC Career Fair: Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) companies will be featured at the first of two Department of Construction Science Career Fairs to be held this fall in the Langford A atrium. Students attending the 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. event will have an opportunity to sign-up for interviews with participating companies on the following day. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood, 845-0289  aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu

September 12

CIAC members interview COSC job seekers: Construction Industry Advisory Council (CIAC) companies will hold job interviews with construction science students 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Kyle Field (2nd floor skyboxes on West side) and the Career Center (209 Koldus). Student may sign-up for the interviews during the Sept. 11 Department of Construction Science Career Fair in the Langford A Atrium. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood, 845-0289  aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu

September 19

COSC Career Fair: Construction companies vie the attention of Texas A&M construction science students at the second of two Construction Science Career Fairs to be held this fall in the Langford A atrium. Students attending the 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. event will have an opportunity to sign-up for interviews with participating companies on the following day. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood, 845-0289  aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu

National Association of Home Builders Student Chapter Meeting & Dinner: 6:30 - 10 p.m. in Langford B Exhibit Hall and Geren Auditorium. For more information, contact Joe Horlen at 845-0289 for e-mail Ann Eastwood at aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu.

September 20

Companies interview COSC job seekers – Construction companies will hold job interviews with construction science students 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. at Kyle Field (2nd floor skyboxes on West side) and the Career Center (209 Koldus). Student may sign-up for the interviews during the Sept. 19 Department of Construction Science Career Fair in the Langford A Atrium. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood, 845-0289  aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu

September 25

Faculty Recognition Banquet: The College of Architecture's annual presentation of special awards and recognitions to outstanding faculty is set for 6:30 - 10 p.m. at the Presidential Conference Center. For more information, contact Trish Pannell at 458-0400 or e-mail t-pannell@tamu.edu.

October 6-7

Disaster Recovery & Redevelopment: Interdisciplinary Student Research Symposium — This two-day student-led event will explore relevant new research in rapidly developing field of disaster recovery and redevelopment. Abstracts will be accepted through July 30 in the following thematic areas: the natural and built environments; social and economic vulnerability; public policy; resource management; design and (re)development; physical planning; and other related topics. Complete papers are due by Sept. 30. The symposium and a student-managed online peer-reviewed journal will be structured around the thematic areas list above. The journal will publish the symposium's most exemplary papers. Symposium speakers include: Dr. Shirley Laska, director of the Center for Hazard Assessment and Response and Technology at the University of New Orleans; Ty Symroski, director of growth management for Monroe County, Florida; and Dr. Walter Gillis Peacock, director of the Hazard Reduction and Recovery Center at Texas A&M University. Registration is $30. More details and online registration are available on the College of Architecture's Office of Continuing Education Web site: http://archone.tamu.edu/conted/ or by contacting Dolores Gonzales at 458-0102 or e-mail dgonzales@archone.tamu.edu.

October 7 - 8

Building Inspection Workshop: The Department of Construction will holding its fall Building Inspection Workshop 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Langford C 105. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood at 845-0289 or e-mail aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu.

October 27 & November 3

LAUP Professional Advisory Board Meets in the Langford Gallery.For more information, contact Robin See at 8-4307 or e-mail robin-see@tamu.edu.

October 30

8th Annual Faculty Research Symposium: The College of Architecture's eighth annual daylong faculty research symposium, "Research on the Built and Virtual Environments: Global Symposia Presentations," is tentatively slated for Monday, Oct. 30. A call for papers will soon be released and abstracts and supporting graphics will be gathered for publication supporting the event. The publication is utilized throughout the year to showcase faculty research.

November 3

CPC/AIC Exam: The Department of Construction will give the Certified Professional Constructors/American Institute of Constructors required exam to all graduating seniors 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. in Rudder Rm. 601. For more information, contact Ann Eastwood at 845-0289 or e-mail aeastwood@archone.tamu.edu.

November 10

Outstanding Alumni Award Banquet: The College of Architecture will honor the 2006 recipients of the Outstanding Alumni Award 6:30 - 10 p.m. at Miramont Country Club. For more information, contact Trish Pannell at 979.458.0400 or e-mail t-pannell@tamu.edu.

Dean's Advisory Council Fall Meeting: The meeting will be held 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. in Langford A 217 Conference Room. For more information, contact Trish Pannell at 458-0400 or e-mail t-pannell@tamu.edu.

Fifth Annual Health Industry Advisory Council Meeting: The daylong HIAC meeting features lectures and member networking with faculty fellows from the College of Architecture's Center for Health Systems & Design. Dr. John Zeisel, president and co-founder of Hearthstone Alzheimer Care, Ltd. will present the keynote address. He will also be available to sign copies of his classic text, "Inquiry by Design," which is hot off the press. For more information, contact Judy Pruitt at 845-7009 or e-mail jpruitt@archmail.tamu.edu.

November 11

Former Student Open House: The College of Architecture's annual Former Student Open House is set for 8 a.m. - noon on Saturday, Nov. 11. For more information, contact Trish Pannell at 458-0400 or e-mail t-pannell@tamu.edu.

February 15 - 16

LAUP Career Fair: The The Department of Landscape Architecture and Urban Planning will hold their student career fair in the Langford A Atrium. For more information, please contact Robin See at 458-4307 or e-mail rsee@archmail.tamu.edu.

'Deutschland ist wunderbar'

Thomas Dietzman documents the architecture of the Porta Nigra in the city of Trier. He is among a group of Texas A&M students currently abroad in Germany with architecture professors Yauger Williams and Gregor Kalas. For more photos from the Germany, visit the link below:
http://archone.tamu.edu/archcom/archoneUpdate/
full_6-15-06_Germany.htm