Dear Colleagues,
The AIA Conference on Architecture held in Chicago last month was quite the experience. It is personally rewarding to attend the conference and experience the grandeur I often heard called the city of architecture. But I assure you that attending board members and some chapter members were working behind the scenes networking to promote the TxA Conference in El Paso. Along with TxA staff, we divided and conquered the Expo floor seeking venders and exhibitors. I want to thank Bill Helm for his continued service as our 2022 Conference Committee Chair.
I made the effort to connect and talk to people about AIA EL Paso and TxA conference. I had a lengthy conversation with past TxA president Michael Malone on one of my early morning shuttle commutes to the convention center and another conversation with current TxA president Eva Read-Warden on the “L” train. What struck me the most is their appreciation for El Paso’s culture and history and the support for the convention returning after such a long absence. They are excited and looking forward to returning to El Paso and take part in this great event.
The culmination of the conference was the conversation with Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States moderated by AIA President Dan Hart. Topics of conversation included social justice, the environment, a sprinkling of politics and bringing all these topics in one way or another related to architecture. This was an hour long of thoughtful and inspiring conversation. I learned that President Obama considered being an architect but his calling to community action and social justice steered him in another direction…and the rest is history.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Stills
2022 AIA El Paso Chapter President
AIA National President Dan Hart’s interview note card signed by President Barak Obama. This note card has been requested by the Smithsonian.
44th President of the United States, Barack Obama in conversation with AIA National President, Dan Hart.