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÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State Professor William Dean, '85, was honored with the Medal of Distinction from the Rochester chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). ASC alum Samantha Towner, ’22, Bryan Toepfer, ’11, and Jay Woodcock, ’94, were also honored.  

Dean has taught at ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State since 2000 and was recognized for a lifetime of achievement in architecture. He has had a resounding impact on the architecture community in Rochester and as an educator he has worked to shape multiple cohorts of Architects and designers.   

The award, which recognizes Dean’s service to the profession, the chapter, and the community, is the highest honor that AIA Rochester can confer.  

Towner, who currently is an Architectural Designer at Dwyer Architectural, was named the 2024 Volunteer of the Year. Her work with the design awards committee and annual golf tournament was critical to the continuing success of these events. 

Toepfer was awarded the 2024 Emerging Architect of the Year Award. The award recognizes the efforts of emerging leaders within the chapter who have contributed their time and talent to the improvement of the architectural community. Toepfer, who has taught at ÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State, is the Principal Architect at TOEPFER Architecture.   

Woodcock, a Partner at Dwyer Architectural, was honored with the Past President’s Medal for his leadership in serving as the AIA Rochester President in 2023. His focus on community outreach, membership engagement, and expanding the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion efforts of the chapter resulted in growth and continued connections.  

÷ÈÓ°Ö±²¥ State graduates Jamie Bucci, ’07, and Sara DeSalvo, ’03, currently serve as President and Vice President of Rochester AIA. Bucci is an Associate and Project Architect at SWBR while DeSalvo is an Associate Principal at Dwyer Architectural.