The College of Architecture and Urban Studies is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2014. 

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, the college is hosting a celebration weekend Sept. 4–7, with a wide variety of events geared toward alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of the college. The weekend offers something for everyone, ranging from receptions, open houses, and tours to a celebration gala.

The 50th Anniversary Celebration Gala will be held at the Inn at Virginia Tech on Sept. 6 and will feature special guests including Charles W. Steger, former university present and past dean of the college, as well as past Deans Paul L. Knox and Patricia A. Edwards and University President Timothy D. Sands. Additional information and registration for the gala and the other events throughout the weekend are available on the college’s 50th anniversary website.

On Sept. 6, there will be a reception for the “Collegiate Legacy: Emeritus Faculty Exhibition” at the Moss Arts Center 12:30-1:30 p.m. The exhibition reflects and celebrates 50 years of art and design in the college, displaying works by 19 of the college’s emeritus faculty who are all recognized artists. The exhibition runs Aug. 21 to Sept. 14 at the Moss Arts Center.

Two renowned speakers will also be featured during the weekend. The School of Architecture + Design presents British architect, critic, and historian Kenneth Frampton on Sept. 4 at 7 p.m. in the Hancock Hall auditorium. This is a return visit for Frampton, who previously presented during the college’s 25th anniversary celebration. On Sept. 6, at 2 p.m., the School of Visual Arts presents award-winning journalist, author, and commentator Adam Gopnik at the Moss Arts Center. Gopnik will discuss “The Arts and Humanities as the Foundation of Scientific Inquiry.” Both the Frampton and Gopnik talks are free and open to the public.

The four schools within the college — the School of Architecture + Design, the School of Public and International Affairs, the School of Visual Arts, and the Myers-Lawson School of Construction’s Department of Building Construction — will each hold its own alumni gathering on Sept. 5.

A complete listing of all the weekend events as well as registration and parking information is available on the college’s 50th anniversary website.

When the College of Architecture and Urban Studies was established in 1964, architecture, planning, art, and building construction were all part of the curriculum within the college — precursors to the four schools the college encompasses today. After 50 years, many of its original philosophies and disciplines still shape its highly ranked, internationally recognized programs.

 

 

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