Each month, the AIAS highlights the outstanding dedication and accomplishments of one of its members. The Chapter Leader of the Month can be a Chapter President or any member who has shown tremendous leadership.

 

   

May 2017 Chapter Leader of the Month: Samantha Callender

Pennsylvania College of Technology

Samantha Callender is a fourth year student in the Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Technology & Sustainable Design at the Pennsylvania College of Technology (PCT). She will be graduating this month and will be pursuing a Master of Architecture at the University of Houston in the fall.

Samantha noticed a disconnect between students and professionals in the workforce at her school and started the chapter two years ago. She currently serves as President.  

From the beginning, Samantha wanted to make sure no one was left out of the new student organization. “I reached out to faculty on campus to help me promote AIAS, and they gave me the opportunity to attend each of their classes to talk about AIAS and get students interested in joining,” said Samantha.

Northeast Quad Director Clayton Daher said Samantha has laid the foundation for a very successful chapter. “Seeing the need for professional development and a stronger studio culture, Sam found AIAS to be the solution,” said Clayton. “With her dedication, determination and ambition, Sam has led PCT to become a powerhouse and a precedent for chapters new and old to follow within their footsteps.”

Over the past two years, Samantha said she’s enjoyed watching the chapter grow. “It’s a great feeling to hear from freshman that they enjoy the activities that we plan, like the semester trips to architecture firms. As President my main goal was to make sure that students have a great experience learning about architecture inside and outside the studio,” she said.

“From mentoring fourth graders on design to planting trees for Earth Day to running food drives to collaborating with their local USGBC Chapter to providing professional development and workshops to their members, AIAS PCT is crafting a boundless future of success all started by Sam’s passion. As she concludes her two term presidency and her undergraduate degree I’m proud to see the leader she has become and movement she has created,” said Clayton.