The rained cleared out and the sun emerged in the Chicago sky as 81 AIA members and 7 colleagues from other nations officially joined the College of Fellows during a ceremony June 11 at Rockefeller Chapel on the University of Chicago campus. Amidst friends, family, and colleagues, the new fellows walked the processional that signifies their entry into fellowship. The ceremonial and celebratory event honors the inductees for their significant contributions to architecture and society nationally, and for consistently achieving excellence in the profession.

AIA President Eugene C. Hopkins, FAIA, bestowed medals on the new fellows. “We honor them for their talent, innovation, vision, and leadership. We celebrate the expertise they bring to our profession as together we dedicate ourselves to work to improve the quality of life for all the peoples of the world.”

Hopkins tied the ceremony to the theme of the 2004 convention. “We must continue to challenge and learn from our architectural history, to take time to celebrate the creative contributions, and to never give up our dream for a better future.”

Betsey Olenick Dougherty, FAIA, chancellor of the College of Fellows, noted the inspiring venue of the investiture. “On this auspicious occasion, we are privileged to be in such a splendid space, and we extend our gratitude to the University of Chicago for allowing us to share their campus with us.”

“Rockefeller Chapel, designed by AIA Gold Medalist Bertram Goodhue, FAIA, is one of the most prominent buildings on this campus. Built in the Byzantine/Romanesque-style combined with a Gothic style typical of Goodhue’s work at the time, the chapel was completed between 1925 and 1928—after Goodhue’s death in 1924,” Dougherty said.

While the fellows, former presidents, former chancellors, College of Fellows Executive Committee, members of the jury of Fellows and Honorary Fellows, and audience were able to enjoy the inspiring space in its entirety, Dougherty noted that while “Goodhue was unable to appreciate the completion of his design and the legacy of his vision, we are the beneficiaries of his talents, and are delighted to be here today. This site was specifically selected for both its grandeur and its proximity to another great piece of architecture—the Robie House, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1910.”

Chair Rod Kruse, FAIA, thanked the eight other members of the Jury of Honorary Fellows and Fellows, and then called on each of the new members of the College to approach the stage, escorted by a former president of the Institute. The newly-minted fellows returned to their seats on the arm of a former chancellor and listened to Dougherty as she read the Felllowship charge.

“It is inherent in the work of the architect that success is shared with the greater society. As leaders of the profession, you are each uniquely charged to insure that design excellence and environmental sensibility is passed on to succeeding generations.

As you go forward today as exemplary role models and as mentors within our profession, you represent what it means to take responsibility for excellence and distinction in the architectural profession; to create as well as to preserve that which is meaningful to our culture.”

With those words from the charge, she asked the Class of 2004 to stand and receive a congratulatory applause from your colleagues, friends, and family. Congratulations fellows!

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