Happy New Years!
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Professor Grenader
Nonya Grenader retired at the end of last semester. The news made me contemplate my good luck with the professors I’ve come across in academia.
Colleges and grad schools are full of kids who think they are adults, so it must be a strange experience to be a real adult in this environment. On paper, the professors’ job is to cram information into these developing minds, but their best work is pointing students towards the wide richness of life.
I studied under three great professors from Berkeley. Joe Slusky attacked life and art with unapologetic exuberence. Chip Sullivan exhorted us to pursue our idiosyncratic interests. Ray Lifchez introduced us to the world of literature that I am still exploring. Those lessons have enriched my life for the past twenty years.
In Houston, I studied under Nonya in my first semester with Rice Building Workshop and in the last semester as my thesis advisor. Even though I am proud of the work we did in for this big last project, it was her bearing that left a lasting imprint after school.
Nonya carried herself with warmth and dignity, rare traits to be found in architecture programs. Her example has been a beacon as I have navigated through my career. Watching her success spared me from the temptation of trying to become someone foreign to myself. She proved that one can succeed without acquiescing to the norms of the prevailing culture.
The last time I read my thesis was when I submitted it in 2008. The glow of a previous project stays only a moment. Technical knowledge is already out of date by the time you learn it. However, managing oneself (and others) with grace is a practice to be honed every day.
I am excited that Professor Grenader will be starting a new chapter in her life. However, it is a shame that new students at Rice will not have the opportunity to work with her.
Here’s to the next woman up!
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A Question
How have your professors left a lasting imprint in life and work?
Hit reply and let’s chat!
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A Couple of Links
While scheduling this post, Petronas has not yet uploaded their 2022 Chinese New Years advertisement. Hopefully they’ll get a great one up by the time this post is published on CNY Eve.
If you’re looking for an architect for your home in Houston, you’d be well served to give Nonya a call, maybe she’ll have some free time to help out.
… and a photo.
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Thanks for reading the OPM letter! I’d love to have a conversation if you have any feedback. I hope you found some prompts to stretch your craft and relationships as a curious Owner PM.
Happy year of the Tiger!
Justus Pang, RAwwwr!