On April 8 at the 2022 Spring All-College Meeting, Dean Nan Ellin recognized the following graduating CAP students nominated by faculty members for their outstanding work.
Architecture
Undergraduate Architecture
Trent Torres
Trent Torres draws inspiration from his grandfather and father, who taught him the value of hard work. Inspired by their drive, Trent took advantage of an opportunity to be a first-generation college student following the career path of his dreams. Between his hour and a half commute to CU Denver and his time on his family’s farm, Trent’s experienced a variety of communities and his goal as an architect is to preserve our communities and our planet, building not only for now but also for tomorrow.
Malaak Madhoun
Malaak Madhoun’s family is originally from Lebanon, and she is a first-generation American in her family. Their move to the U.S. was not without its challenges following 9/11 and the growing problem of Islamophobia. Today, Malaak wears her hijab boldly and is ready to be the change for a new generation of minds. Her long-term goal is to travel the world to design residential homes that can withstand environmental impacts, specifically in underdeveloped countries, and to help find housing solutions for the unhoused. Read more about Malaak.
Spencer Briggs
Spencer Briggs found his way to CAP after learning about the Architecture Department through the ACE Mentorship program while he was in high school. In his time at CU Denver, Spencer has served as a mentor through the program, connecting with prospective architecture students and serving as a juror on the ACE review board.
Marshall Reilly
Marshall Reilly took a unique path to study architecture. He spent six years in the Air Force as an Aircraft Avionics mechanic. Now, Marshall is a member of a local chapter of Veterans for Peace, but during his time in the service, he decided to take advantage of the GI Bill and began studying architecture with a drive and motivation he had not experienced in his education. Marshall sees architecture as the epitome of creative problem-solving. In his time at CU Denver, he has been a TA for the Undergraduate Studio 2 and looks forward to joining us again in the fall in the Master of Architecture Program.
Graduate Architecture
Jazmyn Dennard
Jazmyn, alongside Xiomara Amato and Bo Lee, established a chapter of the National Organization for Minority Architects (NOMAS) at CU Denver. Currently, Jazmyn is working with Hord Coplan Macht Denver in their Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade Education studio. Her passion is for working in education design and she is researching a future book about racism and the architecture and planning industry.
Xiomara Amaro
Xiomara, joined Jazmyn Dennard and Bo Lee in founding the CU Denver chapter of NOMAS to CU Denver, and helped create the beautiful installation in the second-floor cafe of the CU Denver Building on 14th Street. Xiomara was also actively involved in creating a CAP exhibition with History Colorado. The architecture faculty recognized Xiomara’s incredible work both in and outside the classroom.
Abigail Votava
Fun Fact: Abigail “Abby” Votava is a national Junior Olympic champion marksman. Abby has been a strong student since day one. She aspires to make thoughtful and innovative design solutions so that people are happier and more comfortable so that they can enjoy life. After graduation, Abby plans to study abroad in Rome, and upon her return, she will begin working full time as an architectural designer for MA+KE Design-Build, where she has been interning this year.
Landscape Architecture
Sylvia Pasquariello
Landscape Architecture faculty describe Sylvia Pasquariello as “a curious, dedicated, and insightful student who always goes above and beyond.” In her work, Sylvia is inspired by land, culture, textiles, ecology, and humans.
Urban and Regional Planning
Rey Hernandez
Before studying urban and regional planning, Rey Hernandez was a public-school teacher here in Denver. Rey works as Planning Chair Carrie Makarewicz’s research assistant for her affordable housing project. Though Rey graduates in May, he is already working for DOTI’s Community Active Living Coalition (CALC) program, which works closely with Safe Routes for Schools (STRS).
Lauren Platman
Lauren Platman has impactfully contributed to the life of the Department of Planning. She’s a research assistant, manages the MURP Alumni Association board and events, and handles social media for the department. Beyond her commitment to CAP, Lauren landed a full-time position at HDR as a junior transportation planner. Lauren is working on all aspects of multi-disciplinary transportation planning that includes bicycle and pedestrian planning, transit studies, traffic and roadway studies, policy planning, and stakeholder engagement