Members of the charter class of Laurentian University’s McEwen School of Architecture were handed their degrees last week, another milestone for Canada’s first new architecture school in 45 years.
The McEwen School began welcoming students in September 2013.
“I am very proud of all the students graduating this year. They are now truly part of Laurentian University history,” said Terrance Galvin, director of the McEwen School of Architecture.
Planning for Laurentian University’s school of architecture began in 2007. It was later renamed the McEwen School of Architecture in honour of philanthropists Cheryl and Rob McEwen, CEO of McEwen Mining Inc.
Since beginning classes in 2013, students have received national and international awards for their design work, including taking first place at the 2016 Bergen International Wood Festival in Norway.
The school’s new state-of-the-art facility, located in the historic CP Telegraph building in downtown Sudbury, opened its doors in January 2017. The building reflects the McEwen school’s vision for architectural design by incorporating original elements with modern and high-tech features, while also casting a spotlight on Indigenous design and heritage.
Laurentian said making the Spring 2017 convocation more special was the presence of award-winning Canadian architect Marianne McKenna of KPMB Architects, who received an honorary doctorate for her contributions to the worlds of architecture, education, and advocacy.
