Dean's Messages Archive

Over the past year I have focused on three priorities for the College of Arts and Architecture: Successful Student Experiences; Culture of Critical Creativity; and Influence and Visibility. The learning experiences of all students are central to what we do and to what they pursue after graduation. Enabling an essential and inquisitive culture of creativity and inquiry is a responsibility we all share as members of this college. While these two priorities are important, in this message I focus on the influence our efforts have on others by attending to the visibility our work receives in the public.

It’s an appropriate time to focus on influence and visibility, as the college is celebrating its 60^th anniversary this year. From programs and departments scattered across campus in 1963 to a thriving Arts District serving students, community members, and patrons from near and far, the college has not only grown, but also evolved into a cultural epicenter preparing artists, designers, scholars, teachers, performers, and professional practitioners. We strive to further research and creative activity and to interpret and preserve cultural heritage, making an impact in the Commonwealth and beyond. Simply put, we strive to be visible through the good work of our faculty, students, staff, and alumni.

Influence. In May, we welcomed Architecture alumnus and NIKE Chief Design Officer John Hoke for a series of events, culminating in him serving as our undergraduate commencement speaker. It was such an honor to host one of the foremost figures in the design world. In his commencement address (viewable on his LinkedIn profile), Hoke, who is neurodivergent, encouraged students to “embrace what makes you different.”

Visibility. Penn’s Woods Music Festival treated audiences to orchestral, chamber, and jazz music in June. Kicking off with a free concert at the Arboretum, the festival included multiple concerts at the Recital Hall. We are thrilled the festival is back in full force after pandemic-related changes.

Influence. Our faculty members are influencing the students they teach and the disciplines in which they work on a global scale. Architecture faculty members Felecia Davis, DK Osseo-Asare, and Yasmine Abbas are among nearly 90 architects and architectural firms whose work is included in the 18^th Venice Architecture Biennale in Italy through Nov. 26. The Venice Biennale is among the most influential and visible exhibitions in the world. You can read about their exhibits here.

Visibility. This summer the college is hosting summer camps in architecture and landscape architecture and musical theatre. These camps are wonderful opportunities to expose prospective Penn Staters to the amazing opportunities, resources, and faculty in the College of Arts and Architecture. Be sure to check out our social channels in the coming weeks for photos from the camps.

Influence. In October, we will host the annual conference of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru). We look forward to showcasing our faculty’s research and creative work, as well as our facilities, to faculty from peer universities across the country.

Visibility. The College of Arts and Architecture’s 60^th anniversary will be celebrated by thousands during September and October – thousands of ice cream lovers, that is. The Berkey Creamery recently started a flavor sponsorship program, and for two months will be serving “60 Years of Arts and Architecture: Happy Happy Joy Joy.” We hope you join in the college’s “joy” and have a cone when you’re in town – if you do, please snap a photo and share with us via Instagram (@psuartsarch).

You may have noticed we veered from our every-two-month newsletter schedule with this issue. We tweaked our schedule to be able to include our newest graduates in the recipient list. Congratulations to the Class of 2023! Please check out our photo gallery.

It’s an exciting time in the College of Arts and Architecture, and we are already looking forward to the fall semester. Please stay tuned for ways you can join in the celebration of the college’s 60^th anniversary via social media. Thanks, as always, for your support.