Message from the Dean

In the spring of 2001, the graduating graphic designers of the College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) produced Visions Revisions, a portfolio celebrating the college's past, present and future. Along the book's mid-section, a complete list of alumni runs as an "unbroken thread" to symbolize our underlying strength. In the students' words, "DAAP could not continue educating such high-caliber professionals without the past and present support of its distinguished collection of alumni."

I couldn't agree more. Our most treasured resource is you - our talented and dedicated alumni. Communicating with you is both a high priority and a pleasure. For example, according to BusinessWeek's 2007 coverage, the best design programs in the world - like UC - educate "people who are comfortable with complexity and uncertainty. Schools that teach design thinking, with its emphasis on maximizing possibilities rather than managing for efficiency... ." DesignIntelligence 2009 continues to report that employers consistently placed the UC programs (architecture, interior design, and industrial) among the nation's Top Three in their respective disciplines when it comes to preparing students for professional practice. When we hear these most incredible rankings, we can't wait to spread the word. In fact, virtually every day, I hear about a new world-class project or honor going to our alumni or students, or I see DAAP otherwise making news - and making the College and the University proud in the process. I find this extremely rewarding, and I hope you feel the same way. More than ever, celebrating our successes - and squarely facing our challenges - is a collaborative exercise for all of us with a stake in the outcome. Communication now involves web sites, e-mail, regular mail, even the occasional phone call if we can't be face-to-face, so we rely on you to keep your information current.

As you know, our College, like other public institutions, is significantly affected by the global economic downturn. We have made many challenging budget maneuvers but are determined to maintain our top ranked educational programs on the highest quality level. Financial support is clearly needed in these difficult economic times and can be directed to the DAAP Annual Fund or the DAAP Alumni Scholarship.

Despite the current financial climate there is still excitement and energy at DAAP and on the UC campus. New collaborations continue to grow with alumni, and academic and urban communities. Corporations and international projects are creating exciting new ventures.

Please accept my most sincere thanks to those of you that have continued annual support to DAAP.

Robert Probst
Dean