Friday, December 4th, 2009

Three men who have been instrumental in the development of Lawrence Tech’s academic programs in China have been named the first affiliated professors of the University. They are Daniel Winey, an executive with Gensler; Yasheng Wu, a professor at Shanghai University of Engineering Science (SUES), and Winston Xiaoying Yan, a former professor at the University Nebraska who now lives in Shanghai.

“Each has a distinguished academic and/or professional career,” said Dean Glen LeRoy of the College of Architecture and Design, who nominated the three men. “They have all been of great assistance to the creation or development of our academic programs in China.”

The Deans Council has approved the position of affiliated professor, which is an honorary title that recognizes voluntary contributions to the University. Each recipient will have a role at the University such as giving guest lectures, advising programs or individual students, or helping with networking for students or university programs.

Affiliated professors are appointed by Provost Maria Vaz after nomination by a dean in consultation with the faculty council of a college.

Winey has two degrees in architecture from Lawrence Tech and won an Alumni Achievement Award at the University’s commencement exercises in May. He is managing principal of the Pacific Northwest and Asia Region for Gensler, a global architecture, design, planning and consulting firm. His firm has designed the second tallest building in the world, now under construction in Shanghai.

“He has been assisting us in the development of our relationship with Chinese schools of architecture and firms in Shanghai,” LeRoy wrote in his nominating letter to the provost. “This will be significant as we pursue the development of our Global Design Practice option at the master of architecture level.”

Wu is the vice dean of the SUES School of Art and Design. He and Lawrence Tech Professor Paul Wang were the organizers and curators of the recent joint exhibition at SUES.

“Professor Wu will be our key contact person at SUES as we move toward cooperative academic programs in art and design,” LeRoy said.

Yan holds a doctorate degree in architecture from University of Michigan and taught at University of Nebraska for 17 years. 

“Winston has been vital to our contacts with both Southeast China University and Soochow University, as well as our contact with the head of the Chinese architectural accreditation board.  He will continue to communicate our interests with these institutions and individuals as we develop cooperative programs in China,” LeRoy said.

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