George Hasslein Medal
The medal is given in memory and honor of George J. Hasslein, FAIA, the founding dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design. George served in that position from the founding of the college in 1968 until 1983. He joined the faculty of the department of architectural engineering in 1950 and served the college and the university as dean and teacher until his death in the summer of 2001 at the age of 84.
George’s career was devoted to teaching with an unrelenting belief in the ability of students. "The function of a teacher is to help each student gain his or her rightful potential as a human being and I look at every student and ask how I can help release that life energy, that fulfilling force which is every person’s gift." George touched the lives of thousands of students who had the privilege of knowing him. As a professional he believed in the learning-by-doing philosophy of Cal Poly and fostered an approach to teaching that was a total commitment to the interdisciplinary experience of the professions of architecture, city and regional planning, construction management, landscape architecture and architectural engineering.
The George Hasslein Medal is awarded to a Cal Poly alumnus or benefactor who demonstrates the commitment to George’s passion for interdisciplinary learning and teaching.
Dick Zweifel and Emanuele Barelli Awarded 2013 George Hasslein Medal
On Saturday, November 2, Dick Zweifel and Emanuele Barelli (in memorium) were awarded the George Hasslein Medal at the annual College of Architecture and Environmental Design Foundation (CAEDF) Gala event. Dick and Emanuele exemplify the "learn by doing" philosophy that George Hasslein championed for the College of Architecture and Environmental Design (CAED). Both have helped to sustain George's vision for interdisciplinary learning and teaching, the core of Cal Poly's CAED education.
CAEDF President, Charlie Mallers, on Dick and Emanuele winning the Hasslein Medal: "they are the epitome of what George stood for and their careers followed his recipe as leaders in their respective fields."
Dick Zweifel
Dick Zweifel has dedicated over 40 years to the CAED serving as a professor of landscape architecture and the Associate Dean of the college, dedicated to Cal Poly's "Learn by Doing" student education. He has been at the interface of the five complementary professional disciplines and encouraged collaboration between majors of architecture, landscape architecture, architectural engineering, construction management, and city and regional planning, while engaging students and alumni to further promote the interdisciplinary learning experience. Past Hasslein Award recipient Paul Neel said of Dick, "I know of no other person who has given so much of himself for the good of the CAED".
Emanuele Barelli
Emanuele Barelli graduated with a degree in architectural engineering in 1970 after immigrating to the United States from Italy. He proceeded to build a structural engineering firm and remained active with Cal Poly before he passed away. Emanuele was constantly finding ways to give back to his alma mater, providing leadership and dedication to the college, faculty and students. He published and edited "The Vision", which celebrates George Hasslein's vision and the founding of the CAED while memorializing its basis for interdisciplinary education. Emanuele diligently supported and helped establish the George Hasslein Endowed Chair for Interdisciplinary Studies in Enviornmental Design, further fostering George's vision for an interdisciplinary education and helping students turn their professional dreams into reality.
Past Hasslein Medal Recipient
William Brown
William B. Brown, AIA, is the founding head of the Construction Management Department. He came to Cal Poly in 1957 and taught initially in Architectural Engineering. Mr. Brown retired in 1992, and has remained an active member of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design Foundation board (CAEDF).
Kenneth Schwartz
Kenneth SchwartzKenneth E. Schwartz, FAIA, is an emeritus faculty member in the architecture department. He served as a faulty member, associate dean and interim dean for over 36 years in Cal Poly’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design. Mr. Schwartz served five terms as Mayor of San Luis Obispo from 1969 to 1979. During his term as mayor, Ken advocated that the city’s 250-year-old Mission Plaza be used, not as a parking lot, but as a common area for people to gather. They established an art center, and a place for festivals, after closing off Monterey Street. Ken worked with his students to come up with ideas that eventually lead to what is now Mission Plaza.
CAEDF President, Drew Erickson said, "Bill Brown and Ken Schwartz were awarded the prestigious George Hasslein Medal for their lifelong commitment to George's passion for interdisciplinary learning and teaching and advancement of the industry. Both Bill and Ken demonstrated exceptional contributions to Cal Poly, the Learn By Doing approach, mentoring students, and professional student education. Along with the first Hasslein Medal winner, Paul Neel, Bill and Ken helped George build the interdisciplinary foundation for the College as we see it today. Both medal winners have given to Cal Poly and our College in ways that will be felt for many generations."
Paul Neel
Paul Neel, FAIA, was the recipient of the inaugural George Hasslein Medal at the 2010 CAEDF Gala. Paul holds a Bachelor of Science from Cal Poly in Architectural Engineering as well as a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California-LA and Master of Architecture degree from the University of Sheffield.
Paul served as Dean of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly from 1991 to 1997, prior to that he was Director of the School of Architecture and Environmental Design from 1968 to 1978. He was a professor of Architecture from 1962 until his retirement in 1997.
