April 28, 2025 Inaugural Siena Society Class Inducted at the College’s Anniversary Gala

The University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s College of Architecture and Design celebrated its 60th anniversary with a lecture and gala April 11–12, which included the induction of 23 alumni and friends into the inaugural class of the Siena Society. The newly established giving community represents alumni and friends who are all in for the college through their exceptional generosity and the pivotal role they’ve played in shaping the college’s trajectory. 

“Inducting 23 members into the inaugural class of the Siena Society is not only a moment of deep pride—it’s a defining milestone in our college’s history,” said Jason Young, dean of the college. “These alumni and friends have modelled the power of generosity. They’ve established an enduring commitment to shaping our college’s future. Their legacies will uplift generations of students and faculty, while their impact will resonate as we move the college towards its next 60 years.  

Formed to honor those who exemplify leadership, vision, and commitment, the Siena Society reflects the values that have guided the college since the founding of the School of Architecture in 1965 and in the growth and transformation of the college through new programs and schools ever since. Members have made meaningful contributions through documented estate plans and personal or professional investments in the college’s mission, ensuring that students, faculty, and programs continue to flourish.

• David A Bailey, FAIA, (’93) and Stephanie Bailey

• Matthew C. (’97) and Stephanie Boomhower (’97, ’99)

• David L. Bynum (’75), AIA Emeritus

• Pamela Cannella Treacy

• Angelo Carusi (’83)

• Lanis Lee Cope, AIA, (’74)

• Lee Davis, AIA, (’04) and Julie DeBow-Davis, AIA, (’05)

• Marleen Kay Davis, FAIA

• Sheila Dial Barton, AIA, (’97)

• Nick Dryden, AIA (’95)

• David W. Epstein, AIA (’82)

• Gary Everton, FAIA (’76)

• George Armour Ewart, AIA (’88)

• Jeff Gerber, AIA (’82)

• Kem Hinton, FAIA (’77)

• Robin Klehr Avia, FIIDA (’76)

• Trevor Lee, AIA (’02)

• Sandra (’77) and A. David Martin (’73, ’77)

• William Thomas Morris, AIA, (’79)

• J. Todd Robinson, FAIA (’81)

• Marc Rowland, AIA, FACHA, (’85) and Ruth Ann Rowland (’86)

• Valerie D. Wooley

• Barry Alan Yoakum, FAIA (’78)

“The members of the Siena Society are visionary partners in the life of the college and UT,” said Craig Jackson, Jr., associate vice chancellor for advancement. “Their generosity reflects a deep belief in the college’s history, vision and its role in transforming communities and shaping a better world. By investing in students, faculty, and programs, these donors are not just supporting the college’s mission—they’re accelerating it.”

Members were presented at the gala with a bronze recognition piece inscribed with values of the society and the Siena emblem.

The society’s name honors the college’s longstanding connection to the Siena emblem, a plan drawing of the Piazza del Campo in Siena, Italy. Dean Bill Lacy, the founding dean of the school, used the emblem on a ring given to the architecture school’s first graduates in 1969. The emblem later appeared on programs, publications, clothing, and is the defining feature of the college’s class ring to this day.

The college will annually induct members into the Siena Society.