We are in the season of graduations.  I know this because preparations are in the works to review LPS Architectural Design students’ nine weeks of work at the College of Architecture on May 13.  College graduations happen the week before, and graduation for High School students are the two weeks after.  I know the magnolia tree adjacent to the Architecture Hall Link will be in bloom and the students, after much effort and angst, will do a great job presenting. This is as has happened so many springs before. Sometimes when you get in such a cyclical routine, you overlook or undervalue those who have set the stage for you.  Last week contained National Teacher Appreciation Day so I would like to share just two of the many who have inspired me through this path of life and career in Architecture.

H Robert Armagost was the first Drafting Room instructor at Lincoln East and my instructor for five of the six years attending the school (in explanation it was Junior through Senior High at the time).  “Arma” was encouraging throughout our time together and instilled confidence to do this thing.  In 1987 just after receiving my Professional License, Mr. Armagost pushed via the LPS Ventures in Partnership to involve our firm hands on, bringing design professionals in direct contact with the high school students. Even though LPS VIP has technically been dismantled, project number 27 is happening this week.  Rob was responsible for leading several Lincoln East students to Architecture and associated professions.

The same year of 1987, the Architectural Foundation awarded drafting room instructor Mr. Robert Hall, Lincoln Southeast, a Lifetime Achievement teaching award.  Mr. Hall was retiring after a great 40 year career, including opening the doors to Southeast, and he and Rob Amagost were good friends.  Mr. Hall also inspired many students into the architecture  career path.  We have dialogued much over the years, and he reminds me how special this Profession of Architecture is.  We spoke of his service to his country.  Seventy years ago, as a 20 year old from Cherokee, Iowa Robert Hall was a pilot flying B-29’s off a tiny island in the Pacific Theatre.  He brought the aircraft home through twenty six missions. We learned about this at our family Fourth of July BBQ a few years ago. You see, Robert Hall is my spouse’s relative, we just simply know him as “UNCLE BOB.” In our book a true “Hero.”

So Congratulations to the grads, much appreciation to faculty and thank you to those who inspire us.