UA Architecture Student to Help Lead National Organization

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Architecture student Trinity Simons will step from the commencement stage to the national stage this year. As the newly elected vice president of the American Institute of Architecture Students (AIAS), she will visit architecture schools across the nation, co-organize two national conferences and serve as student representative on the national board of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). Simons also will act as secretary and treasurer of the AIAS.

"It's a daunting job, but I'm excited to have an opportunity to provide vision for this organization," Simons said.

Simons has been active in the AIAS since her first year in the architecture program. During her tenure as 2001-02 chapter president of the AIAS at the University of Arkansas, she worked with her board to organize five design competitions and workshops on internship opportunities and other topics. Under her leadership, the UA chapter helped build a house for Habitat for Humanity and sent 20 students to the AIAS national conference in Pittsburgh. Simons' efforts expanded chapter membership by nearly 100 percent over the previous year.

As one of four students serving on the national AIAS executive board this past year, Simons has earned 26,000 frequent flyer miles visiting architecture departments across the southern United States. In addition to advising students and helping chapters develop programming, she chaired the Community Task Force committee and organized two regional conferences. All of this was supplemental to her main job, completing the fifth-year comprehensive studio and other coursework required for the bachelor's of architecture degree.

"It's been an intense year, but I have received a lot of support from chapter presidents, my professors, family and friends," Simons said.

A native of El Dorado, Simons has excelled in the rigorous architecture program at the same time she has juggled work-study duties and extracurricular activities. The School of Architecture recognized her high scholastic record by awarding her the Sid Frier Scholarship four years in a row. She also received the Paul Seitz Rome Scholarship (2002) and the National Association of Women in Construction Scholarship (2003) from the school.

As well, she has participated in two international study programs: a two-week excursion to the Netherlands (2002), and a semester at the school's Rome Study Center for Architecture and the Humanities (fall 2002). Last fall, Simons was part of the team of UA architecture students who won a prestigious Unbuilt Design Award from the Boston Society of Architects.

School of Architecture Dean Jeff Shannon said: "It has been a pleasure watching Trinity develop as a designer and leader. Though we will miss her around the school, I'm confident that she will enjoy a bright future in the architecture profession."

The AIAS serves as the sole student voice in the decision-making process of professional organizations such as the American Institute of Architects and the ACSA. Simons' one-year, paid tenure as vice president begins in July at the AIAS national office in Washington, D.C.