THE STUCKEMAN ANNUAL - Stuckeman School

INTRODUCING
THE STUCKEMAN
ANNUAL
LETTER FROM
NATHANIEL BELCHER,
DIRECTOR OF THE H. CAMPBELL AND ELEANOR R. STUCKEMAN
SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTURE
CAL STUCKEMAN INSPIRES
FACULTY, STUDENTS, AND
ALUMNI IN FOUR-DAY
VISIT TO PENN STATE
At a spring 2012 breakfast for Stuckeman School alumni and other
distinguished design professionals, including members of the
Stuckeman Advisory, only one introduction earned a round of
applause: “Cal Stuckeman, class of 1937.”
Stuckeman and his late wife Eleanor established the
H. Campbell and Eleanor R. Stuckeman School of
Architecture and Landscape Architecture with their $20
million gift in 2008, resulting in a strengthened focus in
design computing, collaborative design research, and the
appointment of prestigious chairs and professorships.
Nathaniel Belcher, director of the Stuckeman School,
said the event was the realization of a promise to Cal to
bring design professionals back to the school.
“We have fulfilled one of the core trusts of the Stuckeman
Endowment: the appointment of an ongoing professional
advisory to support the Stuckeman School’s mission,
while providing constructive guidance in a manner that is
collaborative with its stakeholders, students, faculty, the
University, and the Commonwealth,” he said.
It’s all part of Cal’s vision to put the school on the design
education map.
For four days in April, Cal, 97, discussed the evolution of
the school with faculty, advisory members, and students—
at least one of whom said that the building played an
integral role in his decision to come to Penn State.
Cal’s busy itinerary included the Department of
Landscape Architecture Annual Year-End Banquet, the
Paul M. Kossman Senior Design Award in Architecture, the
College of Engineering’s Design Showcase Industry Partners
Dinner, and other events.
“When in the company of students, Cal is an attentive and
curious listener, as well as a sagacious adviser on their plans for
the future,” said Architecture Professor James Wines.
Students responded to his presence with reverence, at
turns bashful and eager to express gratitude.
“His gifts have made a meaningful impact,” remarked
Jodi La Coe, assistant professor of architecture. “That’s a
testament to careful consideration, by both him and key
faculty and administrators, of where to earmark the money.
Where would we be without his endowment for design
computing, let alone the building”
The opportunity to bolster Penn State’s prowess in
computer-aided architectural design was fundamental
to Stuckeman’s largesse. Dr. Carlo Ninassi (’78 B.L.A.),
inaugural chair of the Stuckeman Advisory and associate
professor of practice – strategy & innovation, Executive
Programs, Penn State Smeal College of Business, recalled a
conversation he had with Cal about a trip the philanthropist
made to the department in the early ‘80s.
Professor Raniero Corbelletti, then head of the
Department of Architecture, gave Cal a tour, which included
a total of three computers.
Remarked Cal to Ninassi: “That’s what caused me to
realize that I had to get involved.” —Michele Marchetti
INTRODUCING
THE STUCKEMAN
ANNUAL
While 2013 marks the fiftieth anniversary of the College of Arts and Architecture, the School of
Architecture and Landscape Architecture is only sixteen years old, and was named the H. Campbell and
Eleanor R. Stuckeman School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture just four years ago.
The inaugural Stuckeman Annual is a retrospective of the immense impact our relatively young school
has had in 2011-2012. As Penn State looks boldly into the challenges of the future, our school’s alumni,
students, and faculty continue to work hard every day designing, thinking, writing, building, and playing.
These ambassadors remind us of the assets that have made this a strong institution. As you flip through
these pages, we hope their work will inspire you and restore pride.
We have much to report. Students in the College of Arts and Architecture and the Stuckeman School
have demonstrated commendable leadership, excelling inside and outside the classroom. Our students
and faculty are problems solvers, creative thinkers, and ethical participants in one of the most exhilarating
education models in the academy. Our alumni have proven to be some of the most significant leaders in
the design profession. We are grateful for their desire to return each year to share their experiences and
guide the next generation of Penn State designers.
Two recent appointments have brought new energy to the school, positioning our programs at the
forefront of design research and practice. I am confident that Mehrdad Hadighi, head of the Department
of Architecture, and Ron Henderson, head of the Department of Landscape Architecture, will elevate the
school in their jointly held role of Chair in Integrative Design.
This year also saw the initiation of the Stuckeman Advisory, an enlightened group of professional
advisers who are providing important, valued external assessment. Led by Dr. Carlo J. Ninassi, a graduate
of our landscape architecture program and licensed architect, they have visited Stuckeman, met with
stakeholders, and initiated an intimate, friendly assessment of our enterprise. Members will be engaging
more directly with faculty, alumni, and students moving forward.
Hamer Center for Community Design ended its first ten-year commitment to “building community
through building knowledge.” The Hamer Center has provided a critical armature for community
engagement in the Stuckeman School, aiding faculty and students in that important adventure. Under the
direction of Mallika Bose, the Hamer Center has continued this strong tradition. Bose has stepped down
from her role as director, and we want to thank her for her stewardship and continued counsel as it evolves.
I also want to reiterate my sincere appreciation and gratitude to Scott
Wing and Kelleann Foster for their tireless dedication as recent leaders of the
departments of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, respectively. They
have proven to be valued council and welcoming associates in my brief tenure as
director. Eliza Pennypacker also deserves thanks for her leadership and guidance
while Ron Henderson completed research in Japan.
We are looking forward to a fruitful 2012-2013 school year, including the Architecture and Landscape
Architecture Chair in Integrative Design Invited Lecture, a collaboration between the two departments.
The Department of Landscape Architecture John R. Bracken Lecture Series continues with a series of
speakers including Bracken Fellow Anuradha Mathur, associate professor of landscape architecture
and associate chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture, School of Design, University of
Pennsylvania. Through exceptional practitioners in its own discipline, the Department of Architecture
lecture series will explore three parallel themes: drawing, archi-tecnologies, and disaster.
Please continue to check www.stuckeman.psu.edu for more information on upcoming lectures, events,
and exhibitions.
Our building is infused with energy, collaboration, and creativity—the realization of a dream by 1937
architecture alumnus Cal Stuckeman. Cal returned to our school this year, participating in end-of year
student lunches and reviews, awards banquets, and a Stuckeman Advisory meeting. We are amazed by his
continual engagement and energy, as we are truly fortunate to have such a patron.
Our school is better for his leadership and commitment.
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