When William “Bill” Dupont arrived at the University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design this fall as its new professor of architecture for historic preservation and cultural sustainability, he brought more than 40 years of experience from government, nonprofit leadership, private practice, and higher education. Throughout his career, Dupont has worked on iconic American landmarks, international cultural sites, and nationally recognized research initiatives. This experience positions him to help shape an ambitious new chapter for the Hines College and the region.

While celebrating our 80th anniversary this year, we were reminded that honoring our past is essential and understanding how that legacy shapes what comes next is equally important. This issue of DIMENSION explores that connection, examining the influence of history, the emergence of new ideas, and the path we are charting forward, including the launch of our historic preservation and cultural sustainability initiative.

On Friday, November 14, the Hines College community gathered on campus to celebrate the College’s 80th anniversary in an unconventional way – with an un-gala. Designed to capture the energy and joy of a gala without the formality, the un-gala invited alumni, friends, faculty, staff, and students to reconnect while raising funds for emerging design technologies at the College.