Commencement 2005

The A&AA community gathered on June 11, 2005, to celebrate the achievements of its 550 graduates. Dean Robert Melnick reflected on the significance of the values that support the mission of the school: excellence, open discourse, inclusiveness, co-oporation, interdisciplinary engagement, and responsibility. He urged graduates to consider what they have learned:

" To think about what you are doing, what you read, what you see. To be considerate. "

"To question what you are told, what you hear. To understand that it is the responsibility of citizens to practise critical judgement. Sometimes you will need to stand up and stand alone for what you believe."And, to have confidence in your own conclusions about the world, your own work, your own efforts."

Dean Melnick presented the Ellis F. Lawrence Medal to Rick Mather (B.Arch. '61), commending "your talents and commitment to the highest standards of architectural excellence and contemporary urban design, and your vision for meaningful human environments."

Mather, a prominent architect practising in the United Kingdom, expressed his gratitude in receiving this award that honours the memory of Ellis F.Lawrence, A&AA dean from 1914 to 1946. He attributed the "independent spirit" that was instilled in him to the tenets established by Lawrence. Mather emphasised the value of "the lively debate between different factions that opens our eyes to the wider world." He also had praise for the cooperative atmosphere and exchange of ideas at the School.