Louisiana Architects Choose Centenary College for 2003 Patron of Architecture Award

SHREVEPORT, LA – Centenary College is the latest institutional recipient of the Louisiana Architectural Foundation’s Patron of Architecture Award. Centenary President Kenneth L. Schwab accepted the 2003 award from Glenn E. Angelle, chairman of the foundation, during ceremonies Sept. 27 in New Orleans.

Centenary has played a “significant leadership role for almost 100 years in local architecture through the development of a 65-acre campus known for stately buildings, beautifully landscaped grounds and innovative spaces,” Angelle said.

Five Shreveport architects participated in the nomination, which highlighted Centenary projects completed or planned in recent years. The projects are:

• the renovation of Rotary Hall into an apartment-style residential complex;
• the expansion of the former Haynes Gymnasium into the Fitness Center and Natatorium;
• the Anderson Choral Building , Feazel Instrumental Hall and Hurley School of Music renovations, which represent Phase 1-A of a larger arts complex planned for the northeast corner of the campus;
• the renovation of the Samuel P. Peters building to include new Admissions Office space on the first floor and second-floor offices and creative space for artist-in-residence William Joyce; and
• the proposed renovations and expansions of the Moore Student Union Building and Mickle Hall of Science

Mary Louise Christovich of New Orleans also received the 2003 award at the banquet, which was a part of the American Institute of Architecture/Louisiana annual conference.

Angelle said the Patron of Architecture Award recognizes non-architects or organizations that have significantly exemplified leadership in design issues, which enhance the quality of life and educate the public about the importance and influence of architecture.

Centenary was nominated through the AIA Shreveport and its president, Lauren F. Marchive III. Letters of endorsement were submitted by four other Shreveport architects: Kenneth W. Babin, Mike McSwain, Jesse O. Morgan Jr. and Michael T. Newman.

Among the comments about Centenary:

“Centenary College, the Board of Trustees and Dr. Kenneth Schwab, President, have taken great care in the development of the college’s buildings and grounds to create that ‘sense of place’ that is so important in the establishment of a great institution of higher learning. And while it is important for the institution, good design is also important for its students, faculty, and staff and for our population as a whole.”
Michael T. Newman, AIA
The Newman Marchive Partnership, Inc.

“The value good design plays in the day to day experiences of students and staff is ingrained in the teaching philosophy. Creating interior and exterior spaces that inspire and enrich campus life are ‘given’ requirements for any design programs at the college. From architecture, art, and landscape architecture, the college leaders have a vision for the future.”
Kenneth W. Babin, AIA
Morgan Hill Sutton & Mitchell Architects, LLC

“Centenary College has managed to control the work of many designers to produce a campus fabric that is homogenous and timely. They have, with excellent funding and a good understanding of architecture, managed to produce buildings appropriate to many disciplines.”
Jesse O. Morgan, Jr., FAIA
Retired

“The leadership at the college has shown integrity and concern toward the growth of the learning environment. They have a genuine passion to enhance and enrich the quality of life for the students, faculty, staff and visitors to the college. Under Dr. Schwab’s leadership, the forward vision of the college is noted in its attempt to preserve the unique heritage of the existing campus, while including enhancements to the student life, teaching and physical environments.”
Mike McSwain, AIA
Slack, Alost, McSwain and Associates

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