Thanks to the following firms who will exhibit at the event and discuss jobs and internships with ��������’s architecture and interior design students:

Risepointe; Dewberry; Stewart-Cooper-Newell Architects; Robert G. Lyon + Associates (RLGA); Olympus Design and Development; Kellermeyer Godfryt Hart, PC; BLDD Architects; Cordogan Clark; GMA Architects; Building God’s Way (BGW); FGM Architects; Lake Geneva Architects; David F. Schultz Associates; Jaeger Nikola Kuhlman & Associates (JNKA); Graves Architecture and Design; Anguleris; 1919 Architects; Hooker DeJong Architects/Engineers/Planners; and Wold Architects and Engineers.

�������� has been named the first recipient of funds from the newly launched Future Architect Fund, a nonprofit organization that helps young people pursue careers in architecture. The organization has just launched its public phase and introduced its first holiday-giving campaign.

The Future Architect Fund was founded in 2020 by architects and construction industry insiders and is focused on providing support to individuals who may not have the financial means to complete all the steps required for licensure. Programming is divided into four separate stages of architecture education: high school, undergraduate, graduate, and post-graduate. Within each phase of programming are a focus on next-generation technology and building material science.

As part of its public launch, the Future Architect Fund has named , a four-year liberal arts institution based in Elgin, IL, as its inaugural education launch partner. The University will partner with the Future Architect Fund to host architecture summer camps for underserved high school students and provide scholarship support to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing degrees in architecture.

“Becoming a licensed architect is a long, arduous, and expensive journey, and beyond traditional undergraduate scholarships, there is very limited financial aid to assist in the process. Plus, with rapidly evolving technology and an industry strapped for talent, we need to invest in the future of the architecture profession now more than ever,” said Benjamin Glunz, founder of the Fund and CEO of construction technology company . Glunz graduated from �������� where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Urban Design Concentration and his Master of Architecture, Traditional Architecture and Urbanism. He also serves as a trustee for the University.

Learn more about the Future Architecture Fund and how to contribute by visiting  .

This annual symposium brings together architects, educators, theologians and students for special essays and discussions around subjects of architecture, the built environment, and a Christian worldview. James Didier, the symposium’s namesake, was ��������’s fourth president under whom the architecture program was founded.

This year’s symposium will include an impressive roster of featured guest speakers who will take on challenging and relevant topics:

Friday, September 16
8:30 a.m.: “Opening Welcome and Prayer” by Dr. Edgardo Perez-Maldonado, Architecture and Interior Design Department Chair, ��������.

9:00 a.m.: Keynote: “The Religious Architecture of Historic Protestant Churches and Missions in Puerto Rico During the Colonial Transition (1898-1917)” by Dr. Rady Roldan-Figueroa, Associate Professor of the History of Christianity, and Director of Latin American Studies at Boston Universities.

10:00 a.m.: Keynote: “The Crystal Palace of Christ: A Meditation on Marian Architecture” by Dr. Rachel Fulton Brown, Professor of Medieval History at the University of Chicago.

12:00 p.m.: “Becoming a Second Culture Architect” by Tim Hunsicker, AIA, Project Office Director for ABWE International, Cleveland, Ohio.

1:00 p.m.: “Finding God in Architecture: Supporting the Connection Between Us and the Creator,” by Paul Harding, FAIA, Founding Partner, Harding Partners of Chicago, and Dominic LoGalbo, AIA, Adjunct Professor, ��������.

2:00 p.m.: “What Does the Bible Have to Say About Church Architecture” by Humphrey Kabwe, Entrepreneur from Zambia, Africa.

2:50 p.m.: “A Helping Hand: Affordable Housing Design” by Victor Rivera-Andino, AIA, of Goettsch Partners, Chicago.

4:00 p.m.: Closing

Please register for the conference by contacting Cyndi Zarris at czarris@judsonu.edu . There is no fee to attend, and the event is open to the public.

Founded in 1997, and accredited in 2004 and reaccredited in 2014, ��������’s Architecture program is widely acknowledged for its innovative approach to architectural education including a one-year preceptorship (internship) and its context of an evangelical Christian institution. Environmental stewardship is a design philosophy that guides the program and its approach to architecture education.

Gina Misek, from Morris, Ill., developed her love of architecture at a young age. She always enjoyed designing floor plans and creating houses. The more she grew, the more knowledge she gained about architecture, and her passion for the field grew stronger.  

Gina attended the annual Design and Discovery Workshopat ��������, where she caught a glimpse of what life would be like as a student there. Her experience at camp led her to become an architecture major at ��������. 

“I love the way that the camp encouraged the creativity of the students, and I could see how deeply the professors cared about their students and the material they were teaching,” Gina says, reflecting on her experience.

The variety of activities and her multiple leadership roles have made �������� a unique experience for Gina. She has used her gifts to benefit several major groups on campus such as the and the . In addition, she enjoys running  and singing in the �������� Choir.

Gina is currently serving as a Resident Assistant in Lindner Tower. She is also looking forward to traveling around the United States with her classmates in the architecture tour this summer, which is a required trip for architecture majors.

After her graduation in 2023, Gina plans to work at an architecture firm to gain some valuable experience. She hopes to one day start an architecture firm of her own, with a focus in residential design.

“I would love to help others by making their dream home a reality, coming up with affordable housing solutions, or designing humanitarian housing for people in need,” she explains.

Gina has especially appreciated the welcoming community at ��������, where she has met some amazing friends and mentors. She says, “While attending ��������, I have overcome doubts in my faith and worked on establishing my faith as my own.”

The week is filled with visits to downtown Chicago, architectural firms, presentations from �������� faculty, and foundational design projects. Students will be exposed to formal and spatial exercises and multi-step projects focused on divergent thinking and creative problem-solving.

The architecture workshop at �������� strives to present the aspect of our accredited program that makes us unique from all others: our evangelical Christian mission, presenting Christ at work in our school and the architectural field. It is our hope that the lessons of this week will result in participants learning to think in new ways and to discover a better understanding of God’s will for their lives.

The Fox Valley Music Camp’s theme of “A Space Odyssey.” The weeklong camp (June 13-17) for students from third grade through 12th grade will explore the universal language of music and rhythm! This summer’s camp will focus on making music, creating cool sound effects, and learning about the works of composers who have sought to capture the mysteries of space in musical form, from classical composers to electronic experimenters. Early bird pricing is available for registrations received before Friday, May 15. Click here for more information: 

Registration is now open for the �������� Youth Sports Summer Camps. �������� will offer basketball, soccer, and volleyball camps this June and July. Camping experiences will include: an all-girls volleyball all-day camp (grades 6-12); a boys volleyball camp in the evenings (grades 6-12); a girls half- and all-day basketball camp (grade 1-10); a boys half- and all-day basketball camp (grade 1-8). Click here to learn more: 

High school sophomores, juniors and seniors can enjoy the six-day overnight Design Discovery Summer Workshop (July 10-15) that explores Architecture and Interior Design careers. The camp will include studio work, interaction with ��������’s design faculty members, a dorm stay on campus and field trips to downtown Chicago. For more information: /archcamp/

If your group or organization is looking for a safe, beautiful environment to host a summer camp, contact Conference and Retail Manager Scott Brunsting at sbrunsting@judsonu.edu or 847-628-2026.

“It is such an honor … to celebrate the groundbreaking of this wonderful new facility that is very deserved by our scholar-athletes and this campus,” said Executive Vice President Nikki Fennern. “I can’t tell you how excited we are to get going on this project.”

“This is such a great day for the university as a whole, and particularly our Athletic Department,” said Director of Athletics Gary Newsome. �������� will be working with Shales-McNutt Construction and Dewberry Architects to complete this multi-million-dollar project. The project is intended to be completed by this upcoming Fall 2022 semester.

Fennern noted that the facility marks the first-ever in school history that can accommodate outdoor track practices. The new facility will impact more than 200 scholar-athletes and will indirectly impact every other athletic program as it provides a new training and spectating venue space. Additionally, Fennern noted that the space will be used in other activities for �������� as well by external partners.

“This marks the first time in over a decade that �������� has two construction projects of over $2 million dollars taking place at the same time. That’s just part of the great energy that is taking place on this campus. These blessings come about because of God’s provision,” said �������� President Dr. Gene Crume. The second project already taking place is ��������’s renovation of a downtown Elgin building that began last December.

Among the attendees were numerous Board of Trustee members including Chairman Dr. Darryl Jenkins, Charlette Canning, Bishop Dr. Michael Love, and Randy Gauger. Shales McNutt CEO John Shales, Dewberry Illinois Senior Associate Jennifer Betancourt, and American Commercial Bank Partner David Martin also attended along with many campus administrators, staff, faculty, and student-athletes.

“Today is another milestone for ��������. For our students, as well as our athletes, as well as our entire community,” said Dr. Jenkins. “Today is a day that could not have happened sooner for some people who have put their efforts and built on a solid and firm foundation [on this campus] on and off the field. Our hope is that what we are doing today can give generations of student-athletes [the ability to] be champions and overcomers.”

The student-athletes in attendance were very excited to hear the news are now eagerly waiting for the surface to be completed.

“It is really such an exciting time. Evert year I have been here our Athletic Department has made significant improvements to support our scholar-athletes,” said Women’s Soccer Captain Alondra Blanco. “The construction of this facility shows the support that �������� has for its athletes. It’s an investment that makes us proud to represent this school.”

Dr. Perez-Maldonado comes to �������� having served both in the field of Architecture and in academia around the country and around the world for more than 13 years. Hailing from Puerto Rico, Dr. Perez-Malonado completed his Ph.D. in history at the Inter-American University Metropolitan Campus, concentrating on topics of urbanism, architecture, and culture. Additionally, he completed a Master of Architecture at the Savannah College of Arts and Design. For several years, he trained as a professional designer working for architecture and urban design firms in San Juan, New York, and Savannah.

As a professor of both undergraduate and graduate architecture and interior design, Dr. Perez-Maldonado received the distinction of “Outstanding Professor Award” at the . His creative work has received awards and mentions in Puerto Rico, the United States, and Europe. Further, he has been a guest lecturer at reputable academic institutions, including Glasgow School of Arts, University of Alexandria Egypt, ��������, Harvard Graduate School of Design, Savannah College of Arts and Design, University of London, and University of Puerto Rico.

“We are so eager to welcome Dr. Perez-Maldonado to ��������,” said �������� Provost Gillian Stewart-Wells. “His international experience will complement our existing faculty in the departments of architecture and interior design well. With their new strategic plans about to launch, it is the ideal time to welcome this tremendously talented leader as a department chair, professor, and scholar.”

In 2021, Dr. Perez-Maldonado published his latest academic work: a book titled A Flight to Modernity: The International Airport, where he describes the cultural experience of the civilian airport typology, focusing on the Isla Verde International Airport (SJU). He is a passionate musician and has dedicated himself to learning the guitar for years. As a practicing catholic, he has worked for his church and community in ministries and service projects.

So many of you have asked how you can help. Certainly, continue to pray for our students, staff, and faculty as we grieve and struggle through the last weeks of an already difficult semester. Pray for the families affected and for our two students who survived the crash. One is still in the hospital, though his injuries are manageable. If you wish to send a card to the families, please call our departmental office.

If you are inclined to give financially, generous donors have created a fund in memory of Dallas Colburn and Nathanael Madison to establish scholarships for Architecture students. To give online visit the scholarship giving page: . You will need to generate a login to access the site.

Information on memorial services will be posted as it becomes available. We plan to honor Nathanael and Dallas during our online awards ceremony during finals week. Thank you for your prayers for ��������’s students and their families during this difficult time.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Academic Year 2019-2020

Congratulations to all Department of Architecture and Interior Design students who graduated in 2020. Despite unprecedented adversity, you finished your coursework with courage and aplomb. We pause now to reflect on a few students whose achievements warrant additional praise for their excellence in academics, creativity, leadership, and service. Join me in congratulating this elite group of learners who demonstrate the best of what our programs aspire to be. To God be the glory, for great things is He doing in the lives of our graduates.

AIA Henry Adams Medal and Certificate

The American Institute of Architects issues the Henry Adams Medal and the Henry Adams Certificate. The former awarded to the graduating Master of Architecture candidate with the highest cumulative grade point average, and the latter to the graduating undergraduate candidate in architecture with the highest cumulative GPA. It is important to point out that, in a discipline like architecture, GPA, measures much more than ‘book smarts”.

Medal:  Lacey Wells

The 2019-2020 recipient of the Henry Adams Medal for academic excellence is Lacey Wells. Throughout her undergraduate and graduate career at ��������, Lacey has consistently excelled in her studies, engaging all of her coursework with diligence and tenacity.

Certificate:  Maxwell Starcevich

The 2019-2020 recipient of the Henry Adams Certificate for academic excellence is Maxwell Starcevich. Max has demonstrated a consistent, high level of academic and creative performance that has earned him this high honor.

Alpha Rho Chi Medal

Since 1931, the Alpha Rho Chi Medal has recognized graduating architecture students for leadership and service toward the future of the profession. The medal, cast in bronze, is awarded annually to a graduating senior at each accredited school of architecture in the United States and Canada. Judged by the faculty of each school, the medal is presented to the graduating senior who has demonstrated leadership, performed willing service to his or her school or department, and gives promise of real professional merit.

Medal & Certificate:  Elizabeth Van Bruggen

The architecture faculty of �������� has unanimously selected Elizabeth Van Bruggen as the 2019-2020 recipient of this award.  Elizabeth has displayed a heart of servant-leadership in her activities on campus and off. She has modeled a selfless service to the Department of Architecture and to her fellow students, always with a smile. Her dedication to her studies and her success in the classroom has been exemplary and has placed her in good stead to serve and to excel in the profession of architecture.

ALA Student Merit Award

The Association of Licensed Architects annually recognizes top graduates, regionally, for academic excellence in architecture. This year they have recognized one UG and one graduate student. Each student will receive a Lucite plaque and an annual membership to the ALA.

Graduate:  Kate Davenport

UG:  Caleb Rutter

Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society Bronze Medal

Tau Sigma Delta is the national honor society in architecture and the allied arts. The Tau Sigma Delta Bronze Medal is awarded by the campus chapters of Tau Sigma Delta to a student who has distinguished him/herself in design in the field of architecture, landscape architecture, or the  allied arts. The selection of the recipient is made by the student membership of each chapter.

Medal & Certificate:  Maxwell Starcevich

The Tau Sigma Delta Bronze Medal is awarded by individual chapters of Tau Sigma Delta to students who have distinguished themselves in design in the field of architecture, landscape architecture, or the allied arts. The selection of the recipient is made by the student and alumni membership of each chapter. The Bronze Medal recipient for 2020 is Maxwell Starcevich. Max was selected by his peers for this award on the basis of his portfolio and an essay submission on the topic of “shelter”.

Outstanding Performance in Fourth Year Design

The fourth year undergraduate Architectural Design studio, which just culminated a few days ago, is a critical component to accredited architectural education, and it is a heroic pursuit to design and deliver a technically integrated building idea. Each year, the teaching faculty recognize a short list of students for outstanding performance in balancing the design and technical considerations required by this studio.

Emmaline Okesson

Adam Wise

Chairs Award for Professional Promise

Creighton North

Chair’s Award for High Distinction

Jarod Pletcher

The Chair’s Award for High Distinction in Service to �������� is sponsored by the Chair of the Department of Architecture at �������� and is presented to the graduating senior student who exemplifies leadership in service to the University. The 2019-2020 recipient of the Chair’s Award for High Distinction in Service is Jarod Pletcher. Jarod has performed at the highest levels academically while giving much of his time and talent to serving the �������� community. His commitment to University service is a model for the entire campus, students, staff, and faculty alike. 

Award of High Distinction and Outstanding Performance in Interior Design

The Award of High Distinction and Outstanding Performance in Interior Design recognizes graduating students for academic excellence and exemplary application of interior design principles embodied in both individual / team studio projects and the capstone senior thesis project identification, preparation, and execution.

Olivia Marshall

Christyanne Wheeler

Architectural Study Tour Fellow

Elise Elliot

The Architectural Study Tour Fellowship is a distinctive honor for a highly qualified �������� graduate student, recognizing academic excellence, leadership capacity, and spiritual/personal maturity. This Fellowship is a competitive award, granted to a current �������� Master of Architecture student, to serve as a graduate assistant for the ARC 381 Architectural Study Tour. The Fellowship includes all travel and accommodations in addition to a $1000 stipend. The 2019-20 recipient of the Architecture Study Tour Fellowship is Elise Elliott. Elise has consistently demonstrated her service and commitment to excellence in the architecture department at ��������. Since the summer 2020 Study Tour was cancelled due to the pandemic, Elise will fulfill her Fellowship duties on the 2021 Study Tour. 

Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society Stoles Presentation

The Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society was established in 1913 to acknowledge outstanding upper-division undergraduate and graduate students who rank in the top 20% of their class. The following graduating seniors join an outstanding group of individuals and active professionals nationwide who have demonstrated excellence in your professional degree program.

Jennifer Iverson

Olivia Marshall

Brooke Nickell

Jarod Pletcher

Maxwell Starcevich

Elizabeth Van Bruggen

Taylor Wills

Adam Wise