Architecture Alumni Connect at A’18

Pictured: Dean Maria R. Perbellini welcomes alumni to the NYIT School of Architecture and Design Reunion at the New York Hilton Midtown.

Nearly 80 alumni from the last four decades gathered for the annual NYIT School of Architecture and Design reunion, held in conjunction with the 2018 AIA Conference on Architecture at the New York Hilton Midtown on June 21.

Dean Maria R. Perbellini, M.Arch., greeted the guests, noting “There’s a real positive energy happening right now at NYIT. I am delighted to connect and reconnect with all of you. I encourage you to stay informed and to promote your own professional growth, to share your experience and expertise with our community, and to remain involved and empower the next generation of architects, designers, and leaders in the field.” She added, “Please stay in touch to let us know what you do now, where you are, and what you did as an NYIT student. We are your NYIT family and are here to support you throughout your career and life.

Perbellini also announced that the school recently received a grant exceeding $2 million from the IDC foundation—the largest the school has ever received—which will also fund the first Endowed Chair at NYIT: the IDC Foundation Endowed Chair of Digital Technologies at the School of Architecture and Design.

At the event, alumni like Peter Ruggiero (B.Arch. ’82), design principal for HOK who is guiding the design for the new LaGuardia Central Terminal, had the chance to catch up with old friends outside of conference sessions. Others, like Cynthia Paredes (B.Arch. ’08), Brian McCabe (B.Arch. ’08), and Matthew Casamassina (B.Arch. ’08) took advantage of the opportunity to hold a mini 10-year reunion.

Paolo Mendoza (left) and Alexander D’Amato show off Atmosphere, the school’s first publication, which features student work, travel programs, events, and conversations.

The next generation of architects were also present. Third-year student Alexander D’Amato and fourth-year student Paolo Mendoza, presidents of the Old Westbury and Manhattan student chapters of AIAS, respectively, were on hand to show off the school’s inaugural publication, Atmosphere, which highlights student work, travel programs, events, and conversations. Perbellini also announced the launch of the school’s new M.Arch. degree program, which will welcome its first students this fall.

Architecture alumni will have another chance to connect this fall at the annual NYIT Alumni and Friends event on September 27, 2018. Hosted by the Friends of the School of Architecture and Design, this year’s event will honor Thomas Scerbo (B.Arch. ’98), vice president and regional managing principal at AECOM, and Deborah Venderame (B.S.A.T. ’83), founding principal at Venderame | Cale architecture pllc.