Your support strengthens the Jayhawk legacy!

The past year posed many unique challenges, but it has strengthened our resolve and helped us discover new avenues to grow, connect and create. As we look to the future, we are eager and optimistic to make ourselves the best we can be in architecture and design education, and we remain dedicated to an inclusive, diverse and equitable learning and working environment for our community of students, staff and faculty.

We have much to be proud of, and I am honored to share a few recent accomplishments with you:

• Professor of Architecture, Kapila Silva, has been named Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) for the School of Architecture & Design. He also is involved with the Multicultural Architecture Scholars Program (MASP). The MASP and the new Multicultural Design Scholars Program (MDSP) are key DEIB initiatives at the school. 
• A new, multi-campus industrial design group for students identifying as Black, Indigenous and People of Color — one of the first in the country — was created and includes students from KU, Kansas State and Iowa State.
• A rural health initiative developed by KU alumnus Tom Trenolone, director of HDR’s Great Plains studio in Omaha, Nebraska, in collaboration with the KU School of Architecture & Design, has been awarded a 2021 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Regional & Urban Design Award.
• Studio 804 students, led by KU distinguished professor Dan Rockhill, and the Lawrence Community Shelter partnered on the Monarch Village tiny home project for families experiencing homelessness. 
• Visual communication design students won the Best School Award at the 2021 National Student Show.

Recognizing the world around us is rapidly changing, we ask for your support for our students and faculty. Please consider making a gift today. Your contribution enables the school to recruit and support bright students, pursue promising opportunities and respond to critical challenges. 

On behalf of the faculty and staff in the School of Architecture & Design, thank you.

Student Spotlight:

“At KU, I gained long-lasting connections, leadership skills, diversified perspectives, and a strengthened assuredness in myself that has prepared me for the next chapters in my life. I was given encouragement to push myself beyond just earning my degree. I had the opportunity to get real-world experience, learn from prominent figures in my field and work closely with professors in my program that have become lifelong mentors.” – Bradley K., M.Arch 2020