April 28, 2008
April 23, 2008
Jane King Hession remarks at Ralph Rapson memorial service
The Guthrie Theater, Minneapolis
April 21, 2008
When the Rapson family asked me to speak today about Ralph's architectural legacy I was honored and eager to do so. I approached the task with confidence because more than once in the past I had addressed a large group of people about the significance of Ralph's work and career. But each of those times, the object of my remarks, my friend Ralph Rapson, was in attendance. It generally worked like this: Ralph would enter the room, trailed by a swarm of colleagues, friends and admirers. He would eventually take a seat in the front row of the audience, cross his legs, prop his cane against his chair, give the sign we could begin, listen politely -- and nod in agreement -- as I described the highlights of his remarkable architectural journey. When I completed my part, Ralph -- who was something of a celebrity -- would rise to the podium, make a self-effacing remark like "Jane knows more about me than I do," and proceed to delight the audience with choice -- and occasionally risque -- anecdotes of the famous and infamous encounters of his rich and fascinating life. Although I may have provided the history, dates, and details of his legendary career, my contribution was just string of words until Ralph stood up. Just by being there, in the simple fact of his physical presence, Ralph conveyed -- as words could not -- seven decades architectural accomplishment and a life well lived. Ralph was the stuff of legend -- and very charming to boot. But today it's different because Ralph is not in the front row and I must go it alone. I have to tell you it's much harder to do -- and will certainly be less entertaining -- without Ralph, the rock star of Minnesota architecture, as the main event.
Ralph was not the first modern architect to practice in the state, but he would become Minnesota's most influential proponent of cutting-edge modernism by nature of his dual role as practitioner and head of the School of Architecture at the University. When he arrived in the state in 1954 at the age of 40, Ralph already possessed a dazzling resume.
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March 31, 2008
In memoriam Ralph Rapson: September 13, 1914-March 29, 2008
Ralph Rapson, head of the School of Architecture for 30 years -- from 1954-1984 -- has died at the age of 93.
Rapson's legacy as an architect and architectural educator will long be remembered. The School of Architecture proudly bears the mark of his leadership through the generations of students who were shaped by his teaching. His legacy is sustained through Rapson Hall, through his inclusion on the University's Wall of Discovery, and through a memorial fund in the college named in his honor.
One of the oldest, and most prolific, practicing architects Rapson worked mostly in the modernist style.
Dean Tom Fisher recalls Ralph Rapson as the "Dean of Minnesota's architectural community and the last of the second generation of modernists in America still practicing. His passing ends an era in American architecture as well as in the history of the School of Architecture, and he will be very much missed by the thousands of people he influenced."
Share your memories of Ralph Rapson in the comments.
Memorial service
The Ralph Rapson Memorial Service has been scheduled to take place at the new Guthrie Theater on Monday, April 21 at 10 a.m.
The Guthrie's thrust stage was an innovation of Rapson's and was incorporated in what was one of his most renowned buildings. Although the original Guthrie was torn down in 2006, the new Guthrie, designed by Jean Nouvel, recreated this type of stage, where the memorial will be held.
Reception
A reception will follow at 11:30 a.m. at the Rapson Hall courtyard. Arrangements are being made for shuttle buses from the Guthrie to Rapson Hall and back. The reception is co-sponsored by the College of Design and the American Institute of Architects Minnesota (AIA-MN).
Memorials
The family has suggested that memorials go to the Rapson Traveling Fellowship (Minnesota Architectural Foundation) and/or the Ralph Rapson Fund, a permanent endowment in the College of Design, School of Architecture. The fund, a testament to Ralph Rapson's integrity and long teaching career, supports students enrolled in the M.Arch program through annual scholarships.
Gifts may be made online. Designate your gift to the Ralph Rapson fund in the "special instructions" text box. Checks should be made payable to the University of Minnesota Fund; designate that it is for the Ralph Rapson Fund in the College of Design. For questions about giving to this or other funds please contact Sue Danielson Bretheim in the College of Design at danie002@umn.edu, 612-624-1386.
Related links:
- A storied career: Ralph Rapson (University of Minnesota Alumni Association profile)
- Ralph Rapson, architect of the original Guthrie, has died (Minnesota Public Radio feature)
- Ralph Rapson (Wikipedia profile)
- Architect Ralph Rapson at 91 (Minnesota Public Radio 2005 profile)
- Blu Dot to make Rapson chair (Star Tribune February 2008 feature)
- Former head of architecture school dies (Minnesota Daily notice)
- Ralph Rapson dies at age 93 (The Bridge notice)
- Ralph Rapson dies (Todd Melby's Building Minnesota notice)
- Architect of original Guthrie was an icon and an innovator (Star Tribune obituary)
- Architect's legacy: Twin Cities landmarks, decades of students (Pioneer Press obituary)
- Rapson remembered (Linda Mack's MinnPost profile)
- Ralph Rapson, former head of the school of architecture, dies at 93 (University News Service release)
- Remembering Ralph Rapson (MPR Midday feature)
- Ralph Rapson, 93; modernist architect (Claire Noland's Los Angeles Times profile)
- Ralph Rapson, Modernist Architect, Is Dead at 93 (Robin Pogrebin's New York Times profile)
- By wrecking Ralph Rapson's Pillsbury house, Bill Cooper left state poorer (Chris Steller's opinion of the razing of Rapson's Pillsbury house)
- A final curtain call for the Guthrie's architect (Mary Abbe's Star Tribune coverage of the Rapson memorial)
- Jane King Hession remarks at Ralph Rapson memorial service
- Dean Tom Fisher remarks at Ralph Rapson memorial service
- Images from Ralph Rapson memorial, Rapson Hall, Monday, April 21, 2008
- Rip Rapson remarks at Ralph Rapson memorial service
- Podcast from Ralph Rapson memorial, Rapson Hall, Monday, April 21, 2008
March 04, 2008
Two new faculty members join retail merchandising program
Becky Yust, department head of Design, Housing, and Apparel announces two new faculty members have accepted positions in the retail merchandising program and will begin fall semester.
Hye-Young Kim is currently an assistant professor at Washington State University. She received her Ph.D. in retail and consumer sciences with a minor in statistics from the University of Tennessee. Her Master's is from the University of North Texas and her Bachelor's from Hong-Ik University in Seoul.
Juanjuan Wu is an assistant professor at State University of New York—Oneonta. Her Ph.D. is from the University of Minnesota, her Master's from China Textile University, and she has a Bachelor's from Shanghai University of Engineering Science.
January 22, 2008
Dunne joins DHA faculty
Lucy Dunne has joined the DHA faculty as an assistant professor in clothing design/wearable technology and will begin her appointment fall semester. Dunne has a PhD in computer science from University College Dublin, an MA in apparel design, a BS in textiles and clothing from Cornell University, and an AAS in electronics and computer systems from Tompkins Cortland Community College.
December 03, 2007
Haugen appointed registrar/materials library coordinator for the Goldstein
Eunice Haugen has been appointed to the new position of registrar/materials library coordinator for the Goldstein Museum of Design (GMD), beginning December 17th. Haugen comes to GMD from the Minnesota Museum of American Art (MMAA) where she was registrar /exhibition coordinator for 17 years and active in museum professional organizations. While at the MMAA, she developed an off-site collection storage area, managed the archival packing and move of the collection, coordinated the installation of over 100 exhibitions, and managed the national tour of two exhibitions. As registrar/materials library coordinator, Haugen will be responsible for the management of GMD's collections storage and database, coordinate exhibition installations in McNeal Hall and for developing the foundation for a future college materials library.
November 06, 2007
McElvain appointed Goldstein Museum assistant curator
Jean McElvain has been appointed assistant curator for the Goldstein Museum of Design. McElvain is a Ph.D. candidate with an apparel emphasis, and has an M.Arch. and a B.S. in costume design, both from the University of Minnesota. She brings to the position five year's professional experience with Twin Cities architects and experience as a Goldstein Museum graduate assistant where she assisted with object study, collections management, and exhibition coordination. Recently she served as James Boyd-Brent's research assistant for Here by Design III: Process and Prototype researching the history of design process and its relationship to the impact of new technologies on design process.
As assistant curator, McElvain will be responsible for developing learning opportunities with the museum's collection, working with faculty and scholars to research and develop a comprehensive collections plan, working with guest curators on exhibition development, and enriching the museum's outreach to the community.
September 11, 2007
Gebauer joins student services
Hilary Gebauer has joined the college's student services department as an administrative fellow. Gebauer is a first-year Master of Public Health student and will work on degree progress and data as well as web and communications projects.
September 06, 2007
Kimber joins CDes IT staff
Clay Kimber has joined the College of Design IT staff as a systems administrator. Kimber, with 10 years of IT experience, will also be working with and supporting the college's desktop computing environment.
August 28, 2007
Nancy Miller appointed associate director of CWHS
Nancy Miller has been appointed associate director of the Center for World Heritage Studies (CWHS). Miller is an architectural historian with an M.Arch. from the University of Minnesota and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. She brings to the position her experience in historic preservation research and advocacy; teaching architectural history and urban design in our School of Architecture; and research, outreach, and curriculum and Web development for the Design Center for American Urban Landscape (now the Metropolitan Design Center). Recently, she worked at the intersection of American and UNESCO preservation policy and criteria when she developed the UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination for Cranbrook.
As Associate Director of the CWHS, Miller will be working with the center's director, Arthur Chen, to establish the program in heritage studies and historic preservation (a concentration in Architecture's MS program) and begin recruiting for Fall 2008, build institutional relationships within the University and the Twin Cities, raise funds, and enrich the center's programs. In addition to her CWHS project, Miller is also working on a book on the history of the University of Minnesota's architecture and landscape, to be published by the University of Minnesota Press.
August 01, 2007
Carl Leeper leaving to join Ellerbe Becket
Carl Leeper (Rapson Hall computer labs) has accepted a position with the architectural firm Ellerbe Becket's San Francisco office. Leeper's new position will draw on his extensive experience in digital representation as well as his degree in Architecture from our college. Leeper's last day will be August 8. A farewell gathering in his honor will be held August 7 in 225 Rapson at 3 p.m.
July 31, 2007
Administrative support for study abroad program
Study abroad plays an important role in the student experience and the college is committed to sustaining and increasing these programs. We are pleased to announce that, effective July 30, for the 2007-08 academic year David Lowe will be providing support to the college’s study abroad efforts. This is a 50% assignment, with Lowe dividing his effort between study abroad and administrative support to the Metropolitan Design Center.
We are very pleased that Lowe agreed to assume this important role. Over the next few weeks, he will be meeting with some of you to become oriented to the college’s study abroad programs and participants. He will also be working with the Learning Abroad Center and our finance staff to develop and streamline systems and processes to better serve the faculty. While Lowe won’t be able to provide support for all of the college’s study abroad activities, at 50%-time, we are confident he will be able to contribute significantly to many critical aspects.
Please stop by and introduce your self to David. He is located at the front desk of the Metropolitan Design Center, 1 Rapson Hall.
July 24, 2007
Budget & Financial Services Office reorganization
To prepare for implementation of new Enterprise Financial System (EFS) in July 2008, a staff reorganization in the Budget & Financial Services Office is underway.
First, a new dedicated data analyst position is being created. The University controller’s office is recommending that this position be added to collegiate accounting clusters because the EFS reports will not be fully developed for some time after implementation and it is unclear at this point how the PeopleSoft financials “canned” reports will meet the needs of PIs and other managers. This position will support financial reporting needs across the entire college. Funding for a new position is not available; therefore, Jill Bezecny has agreed to take on this responsibility.
Bezecny’s experience as team-lead for the Minneapolis financial services team, accountant with CALA, and strong accounting background, give her the skills and expertise to take on this responsibility. Bezecny is already transitioning into this new role. Her new duties officially begin August 15, 2007. Her office will be in 32 McNeal, St. Paul campus. In her new position Bezecny will provide service to the college in the area of grants oversight and reporting for all sponsored and non-sponsored grant funding. She will also provide oversight in the management of gift funds at the Foundation, specifically in the area of forecasting available funding and will also coordinate withdrawals. Bezecny will be in charge of college-wide financial reporting. I encourage you to meet with her to make sure your reporting requirements are being met now and in the new system.
Arlene Jones-Swenson will become supervisor of both the Minneapolis and St. Paul financial services teams on August 15. Her current experience as team lead of the St. Paul financial services team and previous experience supervising the DHA accounting team give her the expertise to take on this broader role. To ensure continued accessible service, Jones-Swenson will have office space on both campuses and will split her time between the two. Monday and Tuesday she plans to be in 32 McNeal Hall, Wednesday and Thursday she will be in 109 Rapson Hall. Fridays will alternate but in the beginning will most likely be in Minneapolis. Jones-Swenson will provide management of non-grant funding, specifically O&M, external sales, and other unrestricted activity. She will also supervise the payroll functions of the college. Jones-Swenson will directly supervise David Howe, and Bethany Frappier on the Minneapolis campus and Pat Wright, Karen Greeder, and Nancy Galas on the St. Paul campus. Both Bezecny and Jones-Swenson will continue to report directly to Rose Blixt.
The goal in implementing these changes prior to the EFS go-live date is to ensure that Bezecny and Jones-Swenson have the time to build relationships with department and research center personnel, acquire the training they will need to effectively perform their work, and gain the confidence of college constituencies.
The new financial system will provide new challenges and we ask your continued support and patience as we become a cohesive team well-prepared to serve the college.
Please don’t hesitate to call or e-mail Rose Blixt <rblixt@umn.edu> if you have specific questions or concerns regarding the shift in personnel.