The School of Architecture mourns the passing of Professor Delbert Highlands on July 24, 2023 at the age of 88. He was a school alum, earning his master’s in architecture from Carnegie Mellon University, and faculty member for many years, retiring in 2000 as Professor Emeritus. Professor Highlands served as head of the Department of Architecture (now School of Architecture) from 1969-1975. A native of Pittsburgh, he was self-employed as an architect.
The PJ Dick Trumbull Lindy Group has continued its partnership with Carnegie Mellon University by establishing the PJ Dick Innovation Fund with a generous $500,000 gift to the School of Architecture. The funds will be used to support existing school initiatives, including direct student support, equity in architecture, and design research.
In this issue of e-SPAN, we honor the work of Valentina Vavasis, Sarah Rafson and Steve Lee, three beloved faculty members. We speak with Valentina, whose expertise in real estate, community development and professional ethics is braided together with her deep care for—and curiosity about—humans and human community. Sarah reflects on her years as Carnegie Mellon Architecture’s Curator of Public Programs, and the inquiry they’ve opened and the conversations they’ve inspired. And we highlight Steve, alumnus, professor and former Head of School, who is retiring after 43 years with the school.
The Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture is proud to announce the winners of our 2023 Graduation Awards. The winners were announced during the 2023 School of Architecture Diploma Ceremony on May 12, 2023. These annual awards recognize the outstanding achievements of graduating students.
Carnegie Mellon Architecture is pleased to announce Stefan Gruber as the new director of the Remaking Cities Institute. Stefan is an architect, urbanist and associate professor in the school where he directs the Master of Urban Design program. He succeeds Ray Gastil in his new role, formally known as the David Lewis/Heinz Endowments Directorship of Urban Design and Regional Engagement.
