Former AIA leader encourages MSU School of Architecture grads to ‘step up,’ ‘make a positive difference’

Jane Frederick, former American Institute of Architects president, speaks to graduating MSU School of Architecture seniors and their families in Lee Hall's Bettersworth Auditorium. — ��ɫ��Ƶ’s School of Architecture treated spring graduates and their families to a special presentation Thursday [April 29] from Jane Frederick, former president of the American Institute of Architects. (Photo by Christie McNeal)

STARKVILLE, Miss.—As featured speaker for the School of Architecture’s 30th annual Dr. William L. and Jean P. Giles Memorial Lecture, Jane Frederick inspired graduating ��ɫ��Ƶ seniors to approach the future with confidence, courage and compassion.

“The vision and voice of the architect has never been needed more. Finding solutions to today’s and tomorrow’s challenges is your opportunity to put into practice what you’ve studied these past several years,” said Frederick, a former president of the American Institute of Architects.

The principal at Frederick + Frederick Architects in South Carolina applauded graduates for achieving this important milestone while navigating numerous life-changing events, including a global pandemic. She encouraged them to use their time and talents to impact society in lasting, meaningful ways.

“When we step up, we can make a positive difference,” she said. “As architects, what we do is not just about buildings, places and plans; it’s about helping to write the story of how society will rise to meet the challenges of our time. It’s through stories that we better understand who we are and what we value. How we write that story today will shape the lives of future generations, and that’s powerful.”

Due to COVID-19 safety protocols, Recognition Day attendance was limited to fifth-year architecture graduates and their families. A full list of Recognition Day award and scholarship recipients is available at .

Peter Ryan, MSU executive vice provost and dean of the Graduate School, said completion of the rigorous, five-year architecture program is “an exceptional accomplishment” for these new members of the MSU alumni family. MSU’s School of Architecture offers the state’s only curriculum leading to a professional degree in architecture.

“I’m so proud of you all for hanging in there and succeeding,” Ryan told the graduates. “You’re going to serve as ambassadors to future students who will consider ��ɫ��Ƶ and the School of Architecture to pursue their degrees and career goals. I wish you every success in your profession and hope you will not only come back and visit campus often but also consider supporting the College of Architecture, Art and Design, and the School of Architecture.”

Learn more about MSU’s College of Architecture, Art and Design and the School of Architecture at . To support the college and school, visit .

MSU is Mississippi’s leading university, available online at .

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