AA Dean

As we finish the third week of the spring 2025 semester, I am reflecting on what has already been a successful academic year, with some exciting events yet to come in the months ahead. In the higher education world, the “new year” begins in the fall, although the December holiday break gives us a chance to refresh and recharge for the remainder of the academic year. I am hopeful you were able to make space for yourself to refresh and recharge during this time.

In December, the Palmer Museum of Art was nominated by USA Today as one of the best new museums in 2024, ultimately placing in the top ten. It was a fantastic recognition for the new museum, which opened in June and quickly became a favorite spot for Penn State and local community members alike. The museum has already welcomed more visitors since June 1 than in any other single year.

Another Penn State favorite is also being recognized this year. Eisenhower Auditorium, home to the Center for the Performing Arts, is celebrating its 50th anniversary, which will culminate with “50 Forward: Beethoven’s Ninth Revisited” at 8 p.m. on Friday, April 25. In May 1974, then-University Auditorium opened its doors with the intention of becoming a Penn State performing-arts destination and educational landmark. At the April concert, the Center for the Performing Arts will welcome members of the Penn State choral community to relive that opening night in the closing event of the auditorium’s 50th anniversary season. The orchestra will perform under the baton of Maestro Gerardo Edelstein, who will be honored for 25 years of service in the School of Music as part of the April concert. In addition, a pre-concert benefit reception, organized by volunteers, will raise funds to support student engagement initiatives (details at the link above).

One of the many rewards of being the dean of the College of Arts and Architecture is the diversity of events we offer across the college. Among the highlights this semester are “What Does PURPLE Sound Like,” an interactive performance featuring community members alongside artists from Sydnie L. Mosley Dances on February 4–6, funded in part by a National Endowment for the Arts grant; the annual African American Music Festival on February 5–8, this year featuring the Cyrus Chestnut Jazz Trio and D. K. Harrell Blues Band; and the Stuckeman School symposium, “Biophilia: Designing for Animals,” on March 2–3. Please refer to our college calendar for a comprehensive listing of events across the college. Many of our lectures are livestreamed, and I encourage you to tune in as your schedule allows.

We ended and began the year on sad notes as we mourned the loss of two key figures in the College of Arts and Architecture community: Dean Emeritus Neil Porterfield and Professor Emeritus Tony Leach, founding director of Essence of Joy. Neil Porterfield, a Penn State Landscape Architecture alumnus, was head of the Department of Landscape Architecture before serving as dean from 1993 to 2000, during which time he led the establishment of the School of Architecture and Landscape Architecture, AKA the Stuckeman School. Tony Leach, also a Penn State alumnus, founded Essence of Joy while still a graduate student at the University. He joined the faculty in 1996 and was a beloved educator, mentor, and conductor to the thousands of students, alumni, local community members, and colleagues who crossed his path. A public celebration of life for Dr. Leach will be held on May 24 at noon in the Pasquerilla Spiritual Center Worship Hall. Plans are underway for an on-campus event to honor Dean Emeritus Porterfield.

Thank you, as always, for your support and the essential role you play in making the College of Arts and Architecture a vibrant, creative, and collaborative community for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends alike.