Sixteen Years of FRIENDS

On November 20, the School of Architecture and Design celebrated its 16th Annual Alumni and FRIENDS Reception, raising nearly $160,000 in support of student scholarships, new activities and initiatives, technology upgrades, lectures, travel, and study abroad. More than 200 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered at the Garden City Hotel in Garden City, N.Y., to honor three alumni who have made significant impacts in architecture, design, and construction, and celebrated the achievements of faculty and students.

^{From left: Spotlight on Alumni honorees Roxana Escobar Kariyannis (B.Arch. ’00), John Sorrenti (B.S. ’72, M.B.A. ’78), and Ghita Akkar (B.Arch. ’09)}

“What a wonderful evening,” said Maria R. Perbellini, M.Arch., dean of the School of Architecture and Design. “The FRIENDS annual celebration is always such a joyful time. At the highest level, the remarkable careers of our alumni and friends inspire us all, demonstrating the incredible success that New York Tech graduates can achieve and aspire to. The generous support from our alumni and friends has significantly enhanced the learning experiences of our students, contributing to improved enrollment, retention, and graduation rates. This support not only bolsters our academic efforts but also promotes a culture of excellence, underscoring the accomplishments of our esteemed faculty and talented students as we continue to strive for even greater success. Our gratitude is immense.”

President Hank Foley, Ph.D., addressed the audience and thanked them for their continued support. “You epitomize our tagline of doers, makers, innovators, reinventing the future. All of you do that and you do it every day,” he said. “There is something incredibly special about your dedication, your pride, and your character to make an event like this happen.”

Models and project posters were displayed throughout the venue, and students shared the stories behind their work with attendees. Making the night even more special was the recognition of the five 2024 FRIENDS Scholarship Recipients:

• Gabriella Lioce, fourth-year interior design student
• Carolina Flore-Iglesias, fifth-year architecture student
• Tinarith Tann, fifth-year architecture student
• Chana Rhodes, fifth-year architecture student (H2M Edward Fulford Scholarship)
• Ashlee Drawdy, fifth-year architecture student (FRIENDS Edward Fulford Scholarship)

On behalf of her fellow scholarship recipients, Drawdy thanked the FRIENDS and its supporters for the honor and recognition. “It is truly humbling to know that such an esteemed group has recognized our hard work, dedication, and aspirations,” Drawdy said. “For many of us, these scholarships go beyond financial assistance. They serve as a powerful encouragement to keep pushing toward our goal and that there are people who genuinely care about our futures and believe in the impact we can make in our chosen fields.”

The FRIENDS of the School of Architecture and Design, chaired by Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98), presented Ghita Akkar (B.Arch. ’09) with the Emerging Alumni Award, Roxana Escobar Kariyannis, Assoc. AIA (B.Arch. ’00) with the Alumni Industry Impact Award, and founding member of FRIENDS John Sorrenti FAIA, FRAIC (B.Arch. ’72, M.B.A. ’78) with the Legacy Award.

Akkar, president of Highline Development, has carved out an extraordinary career in the development, design, and construction of residential properties throughout Boston. In her acceptance speech, she highlighted how New York Tech became her “training ground for life.”

“I can confidently say that no other school could have prepared me for life after graduation and my career the way New York Tech did,” she said. “Our professors—some of the best practicing architects in New York City—did more than just teach. They encouraged and supported us every step of the way. All my internships—from undergraduate and graduate—came through New York Tech alumni and faculty who were willing to give me an opportunity.”

Kariyannis, an associate vice president and architecture manager with AECOM’s Building + Places business line in the U.S. East and Latin America regions, has a track record for leadership in architectural and engineering programs, such as the World Trade Center Path Terminal in collaboration with Santiago Calatrava, public works with the New York City Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA), and MTA Bridges and Tunnels. Most recently, she completed the construction of the first net-zero STEM building on Long Island for Suffolk County Community College. For more than 20 years, Kariyannis has been an active mentor with and currently serves on the executive board of ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) of Greater New York.

“As I reflect on my career, which spans a little over two decades, what leaves me inspired is the mentorship culture that we developed,” said Kariyannis. “It is an honor to witness many of my students now joining our industry as professionals, advancing their careers, and some even leading their own ACE teams. Let us continue to inspire, mentor, and support each other as we build a brighter future together.”

Sorrenti, president and founder of JRS Architect, P.C., has tirelessly worked to improve the architectural profession. Not only is he one of the five founding FRIENDS members, but he has also served on dozens of American Institutes of Architects (AIA) and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) committees. Throughout his 50-year career, Sorrenti helped form the guidelines of the American Disabilities Act on behalf of the AIA, was president of AIA New York, vice president of the National AIA, helped found the AIA Long Island East End Chapter, was a six-year national chair of the AIA College of Fellows, and the past chancellor of the AIA College of Fellows. He accomplished all of this while forging a brilliant design career with the founding of JRS Architect PC and remaining in service to his alma mater.

“Fifty years ago, I graduated from New York Tech and within a month I was able to get my first job and started to practice architecture,” said Sorrenti. “If there are two things I can impress upon our students it is first, we all have something to give, so get involved in any way possible with the profession you have chosen. Second, take what you do seriously, and treat your clients and employees as friends. It is much easier to go to work in the morning if you are going to meet friends, and your life will be enriched.”

By Sabrina Polidoro