Report/Honors Gala 2006: A good time had by all

The AIA Seattle Community of Honor, many bedecked with medals and other regalia of honor and in fancy dress, gathered on a sunny Saturday evening to celebrate 4 AIA Seattle nominees freshly inducted into the AIA College of Fellows, and recipients of AIA Seattle 2006 Honors. The evening began with a collegial reception in the elegant and intimate setting of the Palace Ballroom, before guests sat for service of a delicious dinner.

Rick Zieve FAIA observes Daniel Friedman FAIA at the podium to introduce 4 new Fellows.

Over dessert, AIA Seattle President Randy L. Everett AIA opened the festivities, welcoming the distinguished company of family, colleagues and friends. He invited all to join in acknowledging the presence of previous honorees among those assembled, including Members of the AIA College of Fellows, AIA Seattle Honorary Members, with a special acknowledgment and rounds of applause for 9 previous recipients of the AIA Seattle Medal in attendance: Norman Johnston FAIA (1990), Phil Jacobson FAIA (1994), Jane Hastings FAIA (1995) Bill Bain FAIA (1997), Lee Copeland FAIA (2000), Carolyn Geise FAIA (2001), David Hoedemaker FAIA (2002), John Nesholm FAIA (2004), and David Hewitt FAIA (2005), noting also the death earlier in June of 1991 Medalist Roland Terry FAIA. He spoke gratefully of the generosity of table sponsors NBBJ, Skanska, and MulvannyG2 Architecture.

AIA Seattle Medallist Johnpaul Jones FAIA embraces the world in his remarks at the podium.

President Everett conveyed Institute greetings from AIA 2006 President Kate Schwennsen FAIA (the second woman to hold the post in AIA's 149-year history) and from just-elected 2008 President Marshall Purnell FAIA (who will become AIA's first African American President), both of whom had sent regrets that they could not take part in this assembly.

Peter Steinbrueck FAIA relates the joys of a career in public service.

He then introduced and welcomed the newly-arrived Daniel S. Friedman FAIA, soon to assume duties as Dean of the UW College of Architecture and Urban Planning, and a member of the AIA Jury of Fellows. Assisted by Fellows/Honor Council (AKA Community of Honor) CoPresidents Rick Zieve FAIA and Kristen M. Scott AIA, Dr. Friedman offered remarks on the meaning of elevation to the AIA College of Fellows, and introduced those advanced this year:

. Jan M. Gleason FAIA
. Rena M. Klein FAIA
. Steve McConnell FAIA
. Peter Steinbrueck FAIA

Each of the Fellows offered their thoughts on the meaning of the honor, citing the support and care of family and colleagues and the sense of connection to others among the AIA Seattle honors community.

Steve MccConnell FAIA with proud father Bob McConnell

Next, Scott Wyatt FAIA, as Chair of the AIA Seattle Honors Nominating Committee, welcomed forward recipients of AIA Seattle Honors:

AIA Seattle Medal 2006:
• Johnpaul Jones FAIA

AIA Seattle Honorary Members 2006:
• Benjamin Benschneider
• Frank Chopp
• Karen Gordon
• Matt Griffin
• Lawrence Kreisman
• Alan Merkle, Esq.
• Gary Swenson

Allied Organization Award 2006:
• Port of Seattle

Community Service Award 2006:
• Jerry Q. Lee AIA
• Rachel Minnery AIA

Honorees related stories of mentors and influences affecting their choices, and allowing them to choose and succeed in their various endeavors.

On receiving the AIA Seattle Medal, Johnpaul Jones FAIA spoke eloquently and with characteristic humility of the values that have guided him in his work, based on regard for the the earth and the natural environment, the human community, and our shared spiritual connection.

The presentations concluded with a round of applause for all honorees, and appreciation for all whose support makes possible such achievements for architecture and community.

President Everett closed the meeting with congratulations and thanks to all, and a reminder that impending celebration of the AIA sesquicentennial/AIA150 will bring out more of the best in all of us.

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AIA Seattle recognizes with gratitude the achievements of many who have helped advance the community and the profession, and welcomes all to join in congratulations and in celebration of these honors.