Tribute by Robert Searns (MArch ’71)
Robert Searns (pictured then and now), reflects on the impact of John Paul Eberhard on the trajectory of his life and career. Searns was a member of the first class of students in UB's 'School of Architecture and Environmental Design.'
Published May 7, 2020
I was a 23 year old, 2nd year law student and law was just not igniting a passion. Serendipitously, I discovered John’s pioneering program inciting me to harness both my creative and analytical aspects.
They were seeking a law student to add to the diverse disciplines of the students in the class. It was hard to envision such a combination at the time.
John, and his fellow faculty members, became my mentors and gave me a powerful framework harnessing this combination and building what has been an amazing, challenging and joyful career over the half century the followed.
John’s multidisciplinary team approach and hands-on practicum’s gave me the skill sets and confidence that I would not have otherwise gained. For this I am so very grateful!
Robert Searns is the founding owner of The Greenway Team, a planning and development firm based in Denver, CO that has specialized for three decades in greenways, trails, and conservation.