UArizona Chapter of American Institute of Architecture Students Wins 2020 AIAS Chapter Honor Award
UArizona AIAS 2019-2020 Leadership: L to R, top row: Hayden Crockett, Alyssa Arnold, Lauren Craig, Sacha Kessler, Nik Altamura; bottom row: Brooke Sands, Emily Miller, Ally Kwan, Lindsay Roland, Lydia Roberts. Not pictured: Alex Torres, Rachael Varin.
The University of Arizona chapter of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS) has long been a beacon for architecture students in the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture, creating a successful mentoring program, hosting dynamic student events, managing the AIAS community service program and more.
Now the UArizona AIAS chapter has been recognized for its outstanding service with the 2020 AIAS Honor Award, the highest honor the national organization can bestow upon a chapter.
“AIAS chapters tend to fluctuate in size from year to year but it takes an incredible level of effort and coordination of leadership to have consistent growth in a chapter,” says the AIAS jury in selecting the UArizona chapter. “The variety of events both within the chapter and those with the surrounding community created plenty of engagement opportunities for their members…. If AIAS chapters want to strive for growth, they need to focus internally and develop engaging activities and events that cater to a wide range of students like the University of Arizona has done.”
“I hope this award will encourage future student leaders at CAPLA to find their role, create a vision and exceed expectations,” says Brooke Sands ’22 B.Arch, president of the UArizona AIAS chapter in the 2019-2020 school year. “I valued my time as president and congratulate this powerful, dynamic leadership board for staying devoted, inspired and positive. Hard work pays off.”
“This is a great honor,” says chapter advisor Oscar Lopez, senior lecturer in architecture. “Our AIAS leadership team has worked hard to promote the success of architecture students at CAPLA and also make direct connections and contributions to our profession through our local and state AIA chapters. I’m delighted that AIAS National recognizes and celebrates the students’ dedication, innovation and accomplishments.”
“We truly enjoy being part of architecture students’ educational, professional and personal growth,” says Ally Kwan ’23 B.Arch, current president of the UArizona AIAS chapter. “The award would not have been possible without the hard work of the executive board and support from our members, CAPLA, AIAS National, AIA Arizona and AIA Southern Arizona. We are thrilled and honored to be recognized.”
The AIAS Honor Awards were developed to publicly recognize outstanding achievements by students, educators and practitioners who have exhibited an exemplary commitment to the education and development of architecture students. Though the UArizona AIAS chapter was a runner-up for the Chapter Honor Award in 2016, this is the chapter’s first win.
Learn more about the UArizona AIAS chapter or view the AIAS chapter acceptance speech:
