Blacksburg mayor proclaims Sept 1-7 College of Architecture and Urban Studies Week
Blacksburg Mayor Ron Rordam has proclaimed Sept. 1 through 7 as “College of Architecture and Urban Studies Week in Blacksburg” in recognition of 50 years of contributions made by the college to, “the development of the town and the quality of life for the citizens of our community.”
The mayor issued a proclamation last month establishing the designated week.
“We are honored with this proclamation and we look forward to continued partnerships with the town that will lead to a better community,” said College of Architecture and Urban Studies Dean Jack Davis.
The proclamation points to the expertise provided by the college, which it says played “crucial roles in [the town’s] planning and development.” It further notes service by faculty and administrators on “numerous town committees and study groups that have helped the town plan its future and maintain its special character.”
Among the specific contributions listed in the proclamation are an historic and architectural study of the town, the initiation of the Market Square Park site, the founding of the Friends of the Farmers Market, development of a climate action plan, and the town’s first environmental inventory.
Additionally, the proclamation points to the work of the college-led Community Design Assistance Center, which “worked with the town to develop a landscape master plan, streetscape improvements, façade improvements to the Blacksburg Municipal Building, and concepts for four greenways and also helped with a master plan for Wong Park.”
The proclamation also recognizes the college’s School of the Visual Arts for opening its gallery exhibitions at the Armory, “providing opportunities for Blacksburg citizens to enjoy a wide range of artwork by numerous artists.”
The college plans to display the proclamation at a gala reception and dinner on Sept. 6 at The Inn at Virginia Tech. More than 200 alumni, faculty, staff, university administrators, and other friends of the college have already registered to attend the event.
Event and registration information are available on the college's 50th anniversary website.
