To the Class of 2014,
Congratulations on being accepted to Syracuse Architecture, an incredible accomplishment. The next five years of your life will be filled with some of the most amazing experiences and opportunities imaginable. We are writing you to encourage you to become an active member of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), a professional grassroots organization, and the official voice of architecture students at Syracuse and across the nation.
As a member of AIAS you can take advantage of a wide range of benefits and opportunities that will enhance your experience as an architecture student and help you prepare for your professional career. As a member of the AIAS you will experience a strong sense of community and have unique opportunities to become involved in the school, meet upper-level students and faculty, and learn from them.
Each year the AIAS brings together students from architecture programs across the country at unique events, and are excellent opportunities for networking and professional growth. This November our chapter will be attending a conference hosted by Drexel University in Philadelphia exploring the past present and future of the city. This winter students will converge on Minneapolis and St. Paul for Forum, the annual meeting of architecture students from across the country. While in the spring our chapter will travel to Boston and Northeastern University.
In Fall 2010 the AIAS Syracuse chapter will be hosting its very own conference for all of the architecture programs in the Northeast, which means that this year members will have a unique opportunity to get involved with our chapter and help plan this historic school event. More immediately, in September we are launching the Freedom by Design program in which students design and build small-scale solutions (ramps, kitchen renovations, etc.) for the elderly and disabled within the greater Syracuse area, learning skills necessary for real-world implementation of design and how it can be used to enhance the lives of others.
Professionally and academically the AIAS provides support to its members throughout the internship and licensing process before and after graduation. Our members receive discounts on software, studio supplies as well as discount subscriptions to prominent magazines such as Architecture Record and Crit Journal.
To become a member, visit our website and follow the “Join AIAS” link on the left-hand side of the page. Registration first requires payment and then requires the completion of a membership form. Please save a copy of each for your records. The membership fee is required by AIAS national and is used to offer the many different national and professional services we provide for you. Please note that there is optional $2 Freedom by Design donation that goes directly to the national FBD fund. The membership fee saves you money in the end if you take full advantage of the organization and its resources.
This truly is an exciting time to be a member of the AIAS. On a final note, we are looking to add two Freshman officers to our executive board. If you are interested in this position, please email us at aias.syr@gmail.com. A general meeting will be held during the first week of school with more information on how to get involved. We hope you enjoy the rest of your summer and encourage you to get in touch with any of our officers with any questions you may have.
See you soon,
Caitlin Pontrella | President
Chris DePalma | Vice President
Steve Klimek | Past President
Ron Ajel | Treasurer
Kristine Makwinski | Secretary
Ian Nicholson | 2010 Representative
Gabriella Morrone | 2011 Representative
William Murillo | 2011 Representative
Jack Soloman | 2012 Representative
Hilary Barlow | 2013 Representative
Robert George Little | 2013 Representative
We are looking for two 2014 Representatives!
