Posted on January 6, 2026
As we begin the new year, I want to take a moment to thank our broader community of partners, alumni, and supporters for the many ways you engage with and support the College of Built Environments. For those who celebrate, I hope this moment offers time for reflection, renewal, and connection.
Across the college, students, faculty, and collaborators continue to advance work that reflects our shared commitment to thoughtful design, equity, and impact. From national recognition of student and faculty achievement to exhibitions, events, and conversations that bring people together around pressing issues in the built environment, the work happening here continues to reflect both excellence and purpose.
We’ve also had the opportunity to gather as a community — celebrating milestones, honoring those who have shaped the College, and strengthening the relationships that make this work possible. Moments like the Roll of Honor and the Runstad Leadership Dinner remind us of the enduring partnerships and shared values that connect generations of CBE students, alumni, and supporters.
Looking ahead, we remain focused on what matters most: supporting students, advancing teaching and research that respond to real-world challenges, and ensuring the long-term strength of the College. We’re grateful to be part of a community that believes in the power of the built environment to shape healthier, more just, and more resilient places.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. I look forward to the year ahead and to the work we will continue to do together.
Ken P. Yocom
John & Rosalind Jacobi Family Endowed Dean
College of Built Environments