Welcome, VTCAUS family,

to the November 2021 edition of CAUS+effect. This online alumni newsletter for the College of Architecture and Urban Studies covers an exciting mix of stories that spotlight the work of our faculty, students, and alumni.

In this season of thanksgiving, I am grateful for the robust return to campus of our faculty, students and staff. We launched an energetic in-person semester that included a well-attended CAUSfest for student clubs and organizations and the formal opening of the Creativity and Innovation District living-learning residence hall. Career Fair season is in full swing, with the first event hosted by the Myers-Lawson School of Construction. Nearly 140 companies participated. The A+D career fair is scheduled for February 2022.

The Sesquicentennial celebrations formally launched during Homecoming weekend, which included a downtown parade, a spirit rally and fireworks on the Drillfield. The Sesquicentennial HokieTalks featured one of the celebration themes by focusing on innovations in teaching and learning.

The CAUS Homecoming tent was very popular, with the Recovery Community’s coffee bike (designed by Martha Sullivan’s Industrial Design students) serving hot coffee on a rainy day, virtual reality opportunities with Abiola Akanmu (MLSOC) and her students, and a display of Theo Lim’s (SPIA) work with Roanoke middle school students to map local temperatures and develop plans help their communities become more resilient to extreme heat. College and school advisory boards also met during Homecoming weekend.

This month, I was delighted to attend a reception honoring newly tenured or promoted faculty in the college. Both President Tim Sands and Provost Cyril Clarke offered words of appreciation and encouragement as they recognized this milestone moment for faculty in our college. 

In this edition of the newsletter, you will enjoy an in-depth profile of Lynn Schnurr, who serves CAUS on the Dean's Advisory Board and as a board member for the School of Public and International Affairs. We also highlight the academic innovations happening in CAUS: a 3D Art & Design course in the School of Visual Arts and a First-Year Experience course in the School of Architecture + Design. You'll also learn about the design of Hitt Hall and a collaborative project featuring the School of Public and International Affairs to provide life-saving supplies to those in need.

Happy Thanksgiving!