NewSchool of Architecture and Design Honors Largest Graduating Class

NewSchool of Architecture and Design Honors Largest Graduating Class

Special Awards Go to Students, Alumni, Professional
Role Models

San Diego—June 30, 2010-Commencement exercises were held on June 19 for the largest graduating class in the 30-year history of NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD). Former president and retiring dean Gilbert Cooke, AIA, emphasized NSAD’s mission and vision, asking graduates to pledge that, as part of their contributions to architecture, they will “think and act responsibly, sustainably and aesthetically.”

“Never compromise your integrity,” said Cooke. “Use your skills to assist those in need of assistance. Create without destroying. Honor and respect Mother Earth and the deserving cultures that have been built before you.”

Cooke, who was the commencement’s featured speaker, received an honorary Master of Architecture degree during ceremonies at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, Calif., an architectural icon designed by Louis Kahn. Cooke’s remarks were among the graduation highlights that began the previous evening with a student showcase and reception for families, local businesses and the general public where graduates at the bachelor’s and master’s levels exhibited their final thesis projects.

NSAD President Dr. Steven Altman told the 109 graduates and audience of more than 850 friends and family members that, although graduates are heading into a historically weak job market, they have been well prepared through their coursework, and with ingenuity and perseverance, they would ultimately find their place in the professional world.  

Also during the commencement, several graduates were announced as award winners:

• AIA Henry Adams Medal for outstanding academic performance and leadership:
• Undergraduate Valedictorian Alejandro Eufracio Esquibel
• Undergraduate Salutatorian Stephen Neil Russell
• Graduate Valedictorians Shelly-Ann Patricia Jules-Plag and Ted Jarvis Sheils
• Graduate Salutatorian Paul Leonard Davis
• Outstanding Design Awards for the best final projects:
• Undergraduate student Jesus Reyna Carrascosa, exchange student from NSAD’s sister institution, Universidad Europea de Madrid, in Madrid, Spain
• Graduate students David Lam and Jonathan David Massie
• Alpha Rho Chi Medal for best overall contribution to NSAD:
• Undergraduate Stephen Neil Russell
• Graduate Paul Leonard Davis
• Alumnus of the Year: Duane Hagewood, class of 1996

San Diego Union-Tribune senior writer, historian and author Roger Showley accepted the Richard Welsh Distinguished Service Award, named for NSAD’s founder. Showley received the award for his contributions to responsible growth in San Diego.

San Diego architect Jack Carpenter, FAIA, received the Manuel and Laura Rosen Professional Service Award for his contributions to the profession and to education over his 40-year career.

About NewSchool of Architecture and Design
NewSchool of Architecture and Design (NSAD), founded in 1980, is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools (ACICS). ACICS is a national accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. NSAD offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Digital Media Arts, a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management and a Master of Landscape Architecture. For more information, visit http://www.newshoolarch.edu/.