CAED CLASS OF 1980
IMPACT REPORT 2021 “KAUFMANIA GOES TO EUROPE” SCHOLARSHIP
A PORTRAIT OF GENEROSITY:
HOW A SKETCH INSPIRED PHILANTHROPY In a second year studio design class, we were assigned to draw a self-portrait while looking in a mirror without looking down at the paper. John Kaufman was probably the only one to follow the instructions to the letter and this is what emerged. As a result, many of us adopted this iconic image for the rest of our days at Kent, and our 1980 classmates rallied around it. From this simple drawing came the Kaufmania mystique. It has been said that Kaufman often sacrificed his own nutrition for material items such as books and record albums. His struggle with financial issues is representative of challenges faced by many of today’s Kent State students. At our 25th class reunion, we had the idea of creating a scholarship to help a student with financial need study in Italy. Kaufman’s self-portrait was the basis of an endowment fittingly titled “Kaufmania Goes to Europe.” The scholarship is given annually to a third-year architecture student who is enrolled in the Florence program. In addition to the application and essay, students draw a self-portrait under the same conditions as the original portrait. We are grateful for the impact our scholarship has had over the past 15 years. We have provided a study abroad opportunity for 23 students and counting. We continue to be inspired by the Class of 1980’s generosity and hope these student testimonials inspire future philanthropy so we may continue to enhance student experiences. As Flashes, what sets us apart is how we come together! Flashes Forever! Larry Armstrong, ’79’, B.Arch, ’80 Rick Hawksley, ’79, M.Arch, ’86 Geoff Lester, ’79, B.Arch, ’80
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Kaufman’s self-portrait
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MELANIE PANUTSOS, ’11, M.ARCH ’13, MBA ’13 Senior Project Architect and Director of Project Delivery, MCF Architecture Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“The semester abroad was life-changing for me. As someone who grew up in a financially modest setting, it gave me the ability to have an extravagant adventure in my formative years that I would have never been able to afford. It shaped my entire worldview and expanded the scale and scope of my thinking.” “There is no way to truly express my gratitude and good fortune for the Kaufmania Scholarship. It gave me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... MAKES ME WANT TO DO SOMETHING SIMILAR WITH MY GRADUATING CLASS AND INCLUDE AN EQUALLY FUN PROMPT! 4
JUSTIN CRASI, ’12, M.ARCH ’19 Pantuso Architecture Chagrin Falls, Ohio
“The Florence program was the most memorable part of my undergraduate architectural experience. Traveling abroad opened my eyes geographically and created an appreciation for different cultures and design. Students are incredibly fortunate for the opportunity and support available for such a life enriching experience.” “I am still so thankful and happy I was able to travel abroad with my fellow students and friends. I did not realize how influential and extraordinary the experience would be until after the trip. I think it is a unifying experience that can be shared and discussed between CAED students from any year and generation, and that is a special gift.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... HELPED ME APPRECIATE THE GOODNESS IN HUMANITY. THERE ARE MANY CHALLENGES AND DIFFICULTIES IN LIFE, AND PHILANTHROPY REMINDS US OF THE POSITIVITY THAT EXISTS. BECAUSE OF YOUR PHILANTHROPY, I CERTAINLY FEEL INSPIRED TO GIVE BACK. 5
NOAH SHROYER, ’13 Architect, Jose Garcia Design Cincinnati, Ohio
“Without your scholarship, I would not have been able to study abroad in Florence. I was extremely honored to have the opportunity to live and study in a foreign country. The ability not only to learn about historic architecture and art but also observe and experience it firsthand, is an experience that will remain with me forever.” “You are affecting the lives of your scholarship recipients in a way they will not forget. I am forever grateful for the experiences and opportunities this award granted me.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... HAS CEMENTED THE NOTION OF PAYING IT FORWARD TO FOSTER FUTURE OPPORTUNITY. 6
CAYLA WALTER, ’16 Architectural Designer, Architecture + Troy, New York
“My Florence experience was better than I had imagined, especially visiting Notre Dame. Exploring the historical buildings firsthand and studying the intent of each design, relative to functionality and user experience, developed my design thinking skills for considering client needs.” “I am extremely grateful to have received your scholarship and for the experiences I gained as a result. I continue to learn and grow within this challenging and rewarding industry. Thank you!”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... IS INSPIRING AND HAS CHALLENGED ME TO GROW. 7
MICHELLE BARRETT, ’17 Associate Designer, Gould Evans Kansas City, Missouri
“The Florence semester abroad experience broadened my understanding of public and civic space.” “I am very grateful for your scholarship, which covered a good portion of my costs.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... HAS INSPIRED ME TO BEGIN PAYING IT FORWARD. 8
MATTHEW HAWKINS, ’17 Architectural Designer, Design Collective Baltimore, Maryland
“Studying in Italy played an essential role in expanding my perspective of the built environment and cultural experiences. Within my studies and now in my professional career, I have been able to use the places and experiences as references for my own projects.” “Receiving the Kaufmania Scholarship was the final push that alleviated my doubts and solidified my ability to participate in this study abroad program. I am so thankful for your support that made my semester abroad a reality.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... ENCOURAGED ME TO SHARE MY TIME AND RESOURCES WITH STUDENTS WHO WERE THINKING ABOUT STUDYING ABROAD. AS A MEMBER OF THESE PLANNING COMMITTEES, I HAVE SHARED STORIES, PHOTOS, RECOMMENDATIONS, SCHOLARSHIP RESOURCES AND MORE. 9
ELIZABETH ANNE NICKLAS, ’17, M.ARCH ’18 Designer, Peninsula Architects Peninsula, Ohio
“Visiting Florence was a once-in-a-lifetime trip. The architecture, culture and lifestyle were so different than what I grew up with and experienced. It was so interesting to see how the layers of history were still in these older cities and how they chose to express it or hide it in subtle ways. I treasure the experiences I had, relationships that were built with my fellow architecture students, memories and things that I learned while studying there.” “I cannot thank you enough for your generous donation and continued support for the scholarship. It really is an essential part of the architecture program, and I know there are many students that rely on the extra help to make their study abroad experience a reality.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... ADDS TO MY DESIRE TO MAKE MORE OF AN IMPACT FOR OTHERS THROUGH PROGRAMS LIKE THIS - ESPECIALLY BECAUSE IT IS MERIT-BASED AND PERSONAL. 10
CARL’DRAIL CANNON, ’18, M.ARCH ’20, MBA ’20 Architectural Designer, ZGF Architects LLP Los Angeles, California
“When I went to Florence, I was so amazed at how another culture lived and how much of their history is still celebrated. I found a new lease on life. It gave me inspiration for my studio projects and helped me figure out what I wanted out of architecture and life itself.” “Thank you for your scholarship! Your generosity changes lives and shapes minds. It gives students like me an opportunity to experience life outside the walls of a studio and make everlasting memories.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... HAS INSPIRED ME TO VOLUNTEER IN MY COMMUNITY AND PARTICIPATE IN MARCHES IN SUPPORT OF JUSTICE AND EQUALITY AND AGAINST POLICE BRUTALITY. 11
JOSHUA MYERS, ’19 Architectural Designer, Bostwick Design Partnership Cleveland, Ohio
“I think about my semester in Florence almost every day. For me, my studies and travels during that semester helped to shape a holistic understanding of architecture and its cultural impact on the past, present and future. Additionally, the relationships that I made with my Florence instructors such as Paola Giaconia and Marco Brizzi have helped to build my passion for architecture.” “It is great to see your scholarship is still alive and well, and I want to thank all of the donors who make this opportunity possible for students like me.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... HAS PROVEN TO ME THE VALUE OF MY EDUCATION. MY CAED EXPERIENCE WAS ENRICHED BY THE GENEROSITY OF THE PEOPLE AROUND ME. I HAVE TRIED TO GIVE BACK, HELP CONNECT WITH STUDENTS AND ALUMNI, AND PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR THEM. 12
CHRISTINA SHARBAUGH, ’19 Freelance Designer, Energy Consultant and Real Estate Agent with Keller Williams Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
“I was able to see a passionate design influence in a country where positive feedback and inspiration were apparent. I was able to meet with distant relatives and visit where my family originated and experience the culture. I was also able to visit other countries, in particular Barcelona, Spain, and see the playful designs of Gaudí which have influenced my design work with children.” “Thank you for the opportunity, both scholastically and personally, to develop into a new person who has a deeper understanding for life and arts. I came back reshaped.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... INSPIRED ME TO BECOME INVOLVED WITH A FOUNDATION CALLED FOOTBRIDGE FOR FAMILIES WHERE I HELP WITH THEIR SOCIAL PLATFORM TO RAISE AWARENESS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED. 13
BRAD FEITL, ’20 Pursuing Master of Architecture at Pennsylvania State University Expected graduation in May 2022
“Studying abroad in Florence immediately pushed me out of my comfort zone, making problem-solving a daily routine. This experience easily translated into other facets of my life, whether it be in the studio or in an internship.” “My semester in Florence was an experience that truly helped me grow as a person while also being a great opportunity to interact with different people, places and cultures. Getting the chance to study abroad for a semester really lets you immerse yourself into your surroundings, something most of my future travels will not allow.”
YOUR PHILANTHROPY... AFFIRMS THE IMPORTANCE OF MAKING THESE OPPORTUNITIES MORE ATTAINABLE FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS OF STUDENTS AT KENT STATE. IT HAS INCREASED MY PERCEPTION OF THE IMPORTANCE OF GENEROSITY AND HAS ENCOURAGED ME TO PERPETUATE GIVING BACK. 14
CHRISTOPHER POWELL, ’13
Architect, Davis Partnership Architects, Denver, Colorado “To put it simply, studying in Florence changed my life. It gave me a new perspective on the world and how people live their lives. It also gave me the courage to move out of my home state of Ohio and pursue my architectural career in a new place. Receiving the Kaufmania Scholarship made it that much easier to take my life-changing journey to Italy. Without it, I’m not sure if I would have made the commitment to take that leap.”
BENJAMIN SCHANFISH, ’14
Graduate Designer, MS Consultants, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania “Without the Kaufmania Scholarship, I would have never been able to gather the funds to study in Florence. I may not have discovered this passion until much later in life, if ever. Studying abroad also gave me the courage to leave my comfort zone and go out and explore my surroundings. All of this would have been impossible without the Kaufmania Scholarship. Thank you for giving me the opportunity of a lifetime.”
GRIFFIN RATH, ’19
Campus Missionary, H2O Church, Kent, Ohio “It was an incredible opportunity to meet you and share a bit of myself with you. Your scholarship took a lot of pressure off my family. I truly have you to thank for my experience in Italy, and for that I am immensely grateful.”
AMADEUS ESCUDERO, ’10, M.ARCH ’12, MUD ’12 Associate, Moody Nolan, Columbus, Ohio
HANNAH LYNN WIFORD, ’21 “I am forever grateful for this scholarship that helped me go to Florence without having to worry about making enough money working during the summer. You truly helped me achieve a dream of mine. Thank you so very much.” 15
ENHANCING STUDENT EXPERIENCES Thank you for your generous support of the “Kaufmania Goes to Europe” scholarship. We understand it is not enough to just encourage study abroad, we also need to provide avenues for students to afford it. Your generosity is paving the way for life-changing experiential learning opportunities. It is very exciting to have scholars resume their study abroad experiences. These seven scholars are participating in their Florence experience in Fall 2021 and Spring 2022, and they have shared their thoughts about what this incredible opportunity means to them and how your generosity will impact their future lives and careers. We are looking forward to 2022, when our Florence Program will celebrate its 50th anniversary – a tremendous milestone for our university and everyone who has joined us on this study abroad journey. We know how dedicated the Class of 1980 is to our Florence Program, and we would love the opportunity to welcome you “back home” in Florence. Please know your philanthropy is impacting the lives of Kent State’s architecture students, and their futures are bright because of you! With gratitude, Marcello Fantoni, Ph.D. Vice President of Global Education 16
KAUFMANIA RESUMES FALL 2021 SCHOLARS CRISTINA BARA SENIOR
“I am planning to attend a prestigious graduate school and obtain my master’s degree in architecture. After graduation I hope to work for a firm and eventually own my own firm.” “I am most excited to see the culture of Europe. Culture has a major influence on architecture as I have learned, and each county has its own version of architecture. I would like to share these perspectives with those who are not able to explore these different cultures.”
“I AM VERY GRATEFUL FOR YOUR GENEROUS SCHOLARSHIP. I BELIEVE THE STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT EXPERIENCES IN THE ARCHITECTURE CURRICULUM. I PAY FOR MY OWN SCHOOLING, SO YOUR SCHOLARSHIP IS ASSISTING ME FINANCIALLY AND HELPING ME TO ACHIEVE MY EDUCATIONAL GOAL. THANK YOU FOR GIVING ME THIS OPPORTUNITY.”
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BENJAMIN LUCAL SENIOR
“After I graduate, I plan to start practicing architecture by looking for a variety of experiences within the field to achieve a well-rounded education and perspective.” “I am looking forward to exploring the history and culture of Italy and Europe to gain a better understanding of international relations and differences.”
“THANK YOU! YOUR SCHOLARSHIP HAS HELPED ME TO GROW AND LEARN FROM A NEW EXPERIENCE WHICH I BELIEVE WILL BENEFIT MY FUTURE.”
MAREE RASMUSSEN SENIOR
“After graduating, I plan on continuing my internship at Bowen+ for a few years before heading to New Zealand for my master’s degree.” “I’m extremely excited for the sketching course I’ll be taking while in Florence. Not only will I be able to use the skills from this class in my future positions, but also for my own creative ventures.”
“IF I WERE DIRECTLY IN FRONT OF YOU, I WOULD BAKE YOU CAKES AND COOKIES UNTIL YOU COULDN’T EAT ANYMORE OR STORE THEM ANYWHERE. IN LIEU OF THAT, I OFFER A GRACIOUS THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY FROM DEEP IN MY SOUL OF GOALS AND ASPIRATIONS!” 18
KAUFMANIA SPRING 2022 SCHOLARS KATELYN ENG JUNIOR
“After graduating from Kent State, I plan to attend graduate school to become a licensed architect. I would love to further explore the intersection of architecture and political science and potentially incorporate it into my future career. My ultimate career goal is simply to be able to create or do work that will have a meaningful, positive impact.” “I am truly most looking forward to seeing all the amazing architecture Florence has to offer and being able to immerse myself in that architecture, as well as the history and culture of Florence. Getting a chance to experience and study the buildings and design in Florence is something that I am certain will help me gain a different perspective and grow as a designer.”
“A HEARTFELT THANK YOU TO THE CAED CLASS OF 1980! I FEEL SO INCREDIBLY GRATEFUL AND FORTUNATE TO HAVE RECEIVED THIS SCHOLARSHIP. I WILL ABSOLUTELY USE THIS OPPORTUNITY TO ABSORB THE CULTURE, HISTORY AND ARCHITECTURE OF FLORENCE, AND TO IMMERSE MYSELF IN WHAT WILL BE A CONSTANT LEARNING EXPERIENCE.”
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DOMINIC HOLIDAY SENIOR
“After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school. A lifetime goal of mine is to invest in myself, invest in my education and remain authentic in my actions. Overall, I always want to be in a position that allows me to grow and encourage others to do the same.” “I see the semester abroad in Florence as an opportunity to improve the lives of others, as well as expand my horizons. As I progress through college, the power of knowledge has proven to be a tool of liberation. I want to use my experiences in Florence to fuel my passion for sharing knowledge and information with the world. I ultimately see the opportunity to study abroad as a way to be a mentor and guide for those who travel the same path for knowledge.”
“AFTER RECEIVING YOUR SCHOLARSHIP, I WAS COMPLETELY HUMBLED. THROUGHOUT MY CHILDHOOD, MY MOTHER DRILLED TWO VERY IMPORTANT LESSONS INTO ME. ONE BEING THE VALUE OF EDUCATION AND THE OTHER THE IMPORTANCE OF GIVING BACK. IN THE FUTURE, I PLAN TO PAY IT FORWARD BY GIVING BACK TO THOSE WHO HOLD EDUCATION AS CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS AS I DO.”
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NGUYEN LE SENIOR
“After graduation, I want to continue my education and become a licensed architect.” “I am really excited to see all of the buildings that I only have ever seen in textbooks or as images. I haven’t seen a lot of important landmarks and architecture in real life and can only imagine how impactful they will be in person.”
“I WOULD NOT BE ABLE TO AFFORD THIS SEMESTER WITHOUT YOUR GENEROSITY. IT IS GOING TO BE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WITH YOUR HELP. THANK YOU!”
RYLIE SCHOCH JUNIOR
“I plan to eventually open my own firm after gaining experience and I would love to focus on sustainable practices in architecture.” “I am looking forward to not only exploring Florence but also the rest of Italy and Europe. The history of the area is rich with art and architecture, and I’m excited to experience the things I’ve learned in class firsthand.”
“I’VE WORKED VERY HARD TO SUPPORT MYSELF THROUGH SCHOOL. RECEIVING YOUR SCHOLARSHIP HAS GIVEN ME SOME RELIEF TO KNOW THAT I CAN HAVE THIS GREAT OPPORTUNITY WITHOUT HAVING TO WORRY.” 21
THANK YOU!