A handful of Alfred State architecture alums are giving back to their profession by serving on their local chapter boards of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
“It is deeply gratifying to see so many graduates serving on local chapter boards of the American Institute of Architects,” commented Alfred State Architecture Professor William Dean. “It is evidence of our department’s strong ties to the professional community in Western and Central New York and our programs’ focus on civic engagement.”
The AIA Rochester board is full of Alfred State graduates. Liz Reynolds, ’13, is the Vice President, AJ Gartland, ’22, is the Treasurer, and Sara DeSalvo, ’03, is the past President. Jack Christie, ’25, (Communications), Adam Badura, ’22, (Education), Colin Thompson, ’24, (Practice & Design), Emily Steinbacher, ’05, (Emerging Professionals), Mason Miller, ’25, (Outreach), and Sam Towner, ’22, (Social Media) serve in Director positions (Read more about these alum - https://www.aiaroc.org/board-of-directors).
Within the AIA Central New York chapter, Ryan Grace, ’14, (President elect), Taylor Woolf, ’15, (Emerging Professionals Director), and Joe Piraino, ’85, (Advocacy Director) for AIA Central New York.
At the state level, Jay Woodcock, ’94, serves as the NYS Director.
Alfred State students are introduced to AIA through the American Institute of Archiecture Students (AIAS) club on campus. Throughout the year, AIAS offers a variety of events, from professional firm tours and portfolio reviews to inspiring workshops and networking events, designed to enrich members’ knowledge of architecture. The group also take a trip each fall semester to a varying location on the east coast to explore the architecture.
AIA is the leading professional organization for architects and design professionals.