Sydney Gross Symposium

Designing and Building a Living Memorial

Organized and moderated by Christopher Romano (B.S. 2003, M.Arch 2005) and Joyce Hwang

The symposium will celebrate the completion of the Sydney Gross Memorial Project, a public installation designed and built by two Material Culture graduate studios in Spring 2023 and Fall 2023, led by faculty members Christopher Romano and Joyce Hwang.

Reflecting on the life and memory of Sydney Gross, a dynamic and creative architecture student who attended UB in 2008-09, the process of creating the memorial has included years of collaborations and discussions with Sydney’s friends and family, as well as active engagement with community stakeholders and partners.

The symposium will center on three sets of conversations about the past, present and future catalyzed by Sydney’s memory and spirit.

Speakers and panelists

  • Joey Swerdlin, B.S. Arch 2013
  • Alyssa Catlin, B.S. Arch 2012, M.Arch 2014
  • Joseph Dorobiala, B.S. Arch 2012
  • Nicole Sarmiento, M.Arch 2022
  • Madeleine Sophie Sutton, M.Arch 2024
  • Brandon Rosas, M.Arch 2024
  • Joana Pacheco (New York Power Authority, Reimagine the Canals)
  • Georgeen Theodore (Interboro Partners, NJIT)
  • Lori Duckstein (Sydney’s mother)

Symposium Panel Agenda

  1. Introduction: Christopher Romano and Joyce Hwang
  2. Conversations
                Conversation One: Reflecting on Sydney’s memory
                Conversation Two: Designing and building the memorial project
                Conversation Three: Projecting into the future
  3. Closing discussion
Wednesday, April 24

6-7:30 p.m. | 403 Hayes

Attend in-person or via Zoom registration

AIA approved continuing education logo.

The School of Architecture and Planning is an AIA CES Approved Provider. This course is AIA CES Registered and approved for 1 Learning Unit (LU).

Explore the full story behind the project: 'Living memorial exemplifies student’s enduring spirit.'

UBNow Article>
Sydney Gross Symposium. Designing and building a live memorial. April 24 | 6-7:30 p.m. | 403 Hayes.
TOPICS: Spring, Alumni, Events, School of Architecture and Planning (SAP), 2024, Public Programs, Career Development