Jerome Leslie Eben, FAIA, Elevated to American Institute of Architects College of Fellows

April 27, 2017

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New Jersey Architect Recognized with National Distinction

On Thursday April 27, 2017, the New Jersey chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA-NJ) will celebrate the elevation of Jerome Leslie Eben, FAIA, a beloved member, mentor and leader, to the American Institute of Architects’ (AIA) prestigious College of Fellows.

 

The fellowship program was developed to honor those architects who have made a significant contribution to architecture and society, and who have achieved a standard of excellence in the profession. The program recognizes architects in several categories, including outstanding service to the profession, service to the community, design, architectural education and career or volunteer excellence beyond the built environment. Election to fellowship not only recognizes the achievements of architects as individuals, but also their significant contribution to the profession and to society at a national level. The 2017 fellows will be honored at an investiture ceremony at the National AIA Conference on Architecture 2017 in Orlando FL.

 

Upon receiving word of his elevation, Eben stated “I have been incredibly fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve the public in a career that has included the completion of buildings for all types of construction and uses, across the entire country, while at the same time supporting my colleagues through volunteer efforts with the AIA.  I am truly honored that the AIA has recognized me as a Fellow.”

 

In a career now in its fifth decade, Mr. Eben has served in more than forty different leadership positions, always acting tirelessly as an advocate and representative for the profession and the AIA. Soon after becoming a licensed architect, Jerry assumed leadership positions in AIA Newark and Suburban Architects, one of six (6) local sections of the Chapter.  In fact, he has served in every position available, in AIA-NJ and in each he has not only fulfilled his duties, but done more.  When his term as President of the Chapter coincided with the 150^th anniversary of the AIA, he inaugurated an original public affairs effort, employing a firm to gain press and deploying 150 architects to visit middle and high schools from which they graduated during the annual National Architecture Week.

 

Jerry’s personal touch and grassroots approach have been the key to his ongoing success.  In 2011 he began a three-year stint on the AIA National Board, serving on various committees with a concentration on advocacy and reaching out to government officials regarding the elimination of urban Brownfields to help “bring back from the brink,” America’s cities.

 

From the time of his move to West Orange, he worked for the rehabilitation of the Edison Battery Building with the goal of enhancing the historic downtown.  Enlisting members of Congress from both sides of the aisle in this cause, he organized symposia to educate local leaders on the potential of these sites.  He has testified on Capitol Hill as an expert witness on the subject. He has spoken at AIA Conferences, teaching his colleagues how to promote beneficial legislation.

 

Jerry’s dedication to community is unrelenting.  He has written frequent opinion pieces in the local press, with the goal of educating the public of the importance of architecture and this commitment as an art, as well as a social necessity.

 

He strongly believes that the promotion of architecture and its profession must start with our children, future architects, clients, and citizens.  For thirty years, he has spoken to 10,000 young adults about making architecture a career choice.  His lectures include building safety ideas, so when you go on vacation and your child counts how many hotel room doors to the nearest fire exit, you know that they have heard this from one of Mr. Eben’s presentations.

 

This year begins Eben’s 45^th in the AIA and as he has often stated, “that many of his former employers encouraged his involvement in the organization, and I want to sincerely thank them for the encouragement.  In addition, I want to thank friends and colleagues at the New Jersey Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the support of my family for allowing me to participate.”

 

Out of a total AIA membership now surpassing 90,000, there are just three per cent distinguished with the honor of fellowship. The elevation to fellowship is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership in the AIA who have promoted the aesthetic, scientific, and practical efficiency of the profession; advanced the science and art of planning and building by advancing the standards of architectural education, training and practice; coordinated the building industry and the profession of architecture through leadership in the AIA and other related professional organizations; advanced the living standards of people through an improved environment; or made the profession of ever-increasing service to society.

 

To join the celebration at the AIA NJ Fellows Reception, find us at Copper Canyon Grill, 9101 International Dr #1220, Orlando FL at 6PM on April 27, 2017. Festivities hosted by President Elect, Verity Frizzell, AIA.

 
About AIA and AIA New Jersey

Founded in 1857, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) is the professional organization that helps architects serve the public’s needs and builds awareness of the role of architects and architecture in American society. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., its 300 plus local chapters represent 90,000 licensed architects and allied professionals. The organization’s local chapter, AIA New Jersey, has served as the voice of the architecture profession in the Garden State since 1900. Based in Trenton, AIA New Jersey has 2,000 members in six local sections. For more information, please visit www.aia-nj.org.

 

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By Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, AIA NJ Advocacy Consultant | Posted in AIA-NJ News, Members & the Community, NJ Architect Newsletter, Uncategorized | Tagged: #fellowship #JerryEben #PARTY! | Comments (0)