Summer Putman

Summer Putman
This is a photo of me sitting on the docks in my hometown of Juneau, AK having some ice cream.

Degree: BArch, Minor in Non-Profit Management

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2022

I’m From: Juneau, AK

Why I Came to the UO and How I Chose My Major
I fell in love with the UO campus and the surrounding area right away when I first toured as a high school student. I felt right at home here in Eugene. When I started applying to schools, I found out that multiple well-established architects in my hometown got their degrees at UO, which is what interested me in the program. I also learned that UO’s architecture program ranked nationally and was first in sustainable architecture, so I knew it was the school I wanted to attend. And it’s certainly held up to its reputation. Each one of my classes have made me feel one step closer to having the knowledge that will make a difference in my community and the world.

I have always had a passion for design and art since I was young, participating in every art class and creative club I could. I have also always enjoyed problem solving. I discovered architecture to be the perfect balance between art and science, the kind of career that would allow me to be creative and solve the challenges that affect everyday life.

Unique Qualities I Bring to My Studies
Having grown up in Alaska, I’ve been surrounded by nature my whole life and have developed a great desire to protect this beautiful planet that we call home. I see the impacts of pollution and global warming each time I return to Alaska. I will always think about the impact my design has on this planet; it is a driving force in my work.

My Influential Professors
When I took Environmental Control Systems (ECS) with Alison Kwok and learned that I could heat and cool buildings entirely using the sun and wind, the way I designed buildings forever changed. Now I always have passive design techniques in mind when doing my work and I have her to thank for that. I also had the opportunity be a TA for the ECS class the following year with Professor Kwok and also participated as a member of her research team. It has been a great learning experience working with her.

My Extracurricular Activities
I am involved in the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) UO Student branch. I have served as the media coordinator for a year and I have been recently elected to be the vice-president of the organization. Being in the club has been an amazing opportunity to learn more about green building techniques and efficient systems of heating and cooling. I have met a lot of great mentors through ASHRAE as well.

My Greatest Learning Experience at UO
Here at UO, I have learned that the work you put in is truly what you get out. If I take the time and care to make a project or assignment something great, it will benefit me beyond my time here at UO. What I am doing now paves the way for my future as an architect. The professional development I have engaged with at UO has shown me how I can positively impact my career as a student.

After Graduation
My greatest desire is to be a contributing and productive member of an architecture firm that enjoys teamwork on collaborative projects that make a difference in the lives of those who experience the structures and spaces. I imagine that my education at the College of Design will provide the necessary skills and experiences to be able to achieve my hopes and dreams of being a professional architect.

Your Gift
Receiving an award like this shows me that people recognize my hard work, which motivates me to keep pushing and aiming high because I know there are great benefits to trying your hardest. Telling future employers that I have been recognized and rewarded will help my chances at a successful career in architecture. My number one goal is to be a professional architect that is skilled at designing incredible buildings. At the minimum, I need a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a strong educational foundation that will help me pass the licensure requirements. This generous scholarship will help me achieve these goals. Thank you!

I am very grateful to be receiving this award that you’ve made possible. Thank you!