President's Message

It is an interesting and challenging time to work in the design professions. The economic news can be concerning and yet at the same time we know that it may be impetus to revolutionize the roles that designers play and the manner in which we practice. With all of the uncertainties in the world it is reassuring to know that we have a support network through our university that serves to facilitate ideas, communication, education, and provide economic opportunity.

As an organization we are proud to participate with the School's resume, portfolio, and job interview workshops as well as the Career Fair. I want to thank the participating firms as Board Member Christina Sandoval who worked closely with the faculty and staff to make these events happen.

We are excited to once again contribute to the upcoming student relief effort where we will feed and caffeinate students as they head into finals week.

This Fall we will once again sponsor a continuing education event in conjunction with Homecoming on Saturday, October 24 and conduct a planning session to review the direction of this organization.

I appreciate you, my fellow alumni, for providing me with the opportunity to serve you and our School. I hope to continue the exemplary job done by our outgoing president Pat Gay whose hard work and wise leadership is deeply appreciated by those who have had the opportunity to work with him. I also wish to thank Jill Reisz for her dedicated service to the Board; we wish her well in her new endeavors in New Orleans.

On a parting note I wish to encourage alumni who are working both in and outside of New Mexico to contact the School at 505.277.2903 with job opportunites for graduating students.

Scholarship Award

I am honored to receive the Maureen Walter Endowed Scholarship Award. A career in architecure strikes me as a way to proundly affect not only the present existence of humans, but also the future. Architecture has such substance that it exists long after the people who create it. It is one way to make a statement to future generations about the present. For me, architecture is a life-long pursuit, one which requires constant self-education in order to keep up with the ever changing architectural milieu. I intend to continue in architecture as a licensed architect, and as such I hope to keep up with the changing faces of building.
Penny Dudley, Graduate Student in the Architecture Program

Welcome, new Board Members

Kevin Georges is a new Board member of the School of Architecture and Planning Alumni Association. Kevin is the president of KGA Architects here in Albuquerque. His firm will be celebrating 25 years of practice in April. KGA specializes in healthcare design.

Kevin transferred his junior year from Illinois in 1976 and received his Bachelors of Fine Arts degree from UNM in 1980. He is a licensed Architect, Landscape Architect and Interior Designer. He is a member of the AIA, NM Society of Architects and NCARB. Kevin serves as Chairman of the City of Albuquerque and Bernalillo County Building Code Board of Appeals. He is also a past member of the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico Design Professional Selection Committee.

The board also welcomes it's newest member, Sarah Gilstrap. Sarah works at Parametrix, and environmental remediation and planning firm where she works as a community planner. Sarah graduated from the UNM School of Architecture & Planning with a Master's in Community and Regional Planning in 2008.

2008 Homecoming Events

The School of Architecture & Planning Alumni Chapter wrapped up its 2008 events with our annual meeting, lecture, and homecoming barbeque last October. The barbeque was a great opportunity to try out the school's new courtyard grill, meet with alumni, and feed hungry alums and students. The highlight was the presentation of our 2008 Maureen Walters Memorial Alumni Service Award to Maura Lewiecki.

The meeting was an opportunity to thank our Board of Directors for their over 400 hours of volunteer service for the year. It was a chance to review and renew our commitments to student, school, and professional connections. Finally, a full auditorium enjoyed a sobering, but important lecture by Edward Mazria on his Architecture 2030 efforts. Thanks Ed. If you have not had the opportunity to see Ed's presentation, please check out the Architecture 2030 Website .

Contact Us

Scott Anderson, President This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Patrick Gay, Past President This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Greg Hartman, Vice President This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Peg Aguilar, Vice President This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Christina M. Sandoval, Vice President This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Will Gleason, Treasurer This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Michael J. Gallegos This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Suzanne Mortier This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Kevin Georges This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
Sarah Gilstrap This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

It’s easy to renew membership or to become a dues-paying member of the alumni association for the first time. Just point your web browser to http://saap.unm.edu/ click on alumni and then Chapter Membership Form. You can print out the form and send it in with your check. If you have any questions or comments, please contact: Makita Hill, Development Specialist, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 277-0943 or Jan Bandrofchak Development Officer, School of Architecture and Planning This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it