
18th Annual Alumni and FRIENDS Reception

18th Annual Alumni and FRIENDS Reception
Tonight, we celebrate the people, connections, and shared commitment that continue to shape our community.
Welcome to the 18th Annual Alumni and FRIENDS of the School of Architecture and Design Reception. We are proud to bring together alumni, students, faculty, and industry professionals to celebrate our community, recognize outstanding alumni, and honor this year’s scholarship recipients.
Through mentorship, scholarships, professional opportunities, and continued engagement, FRIENDS helps strengthen the connection between the School of Architecture and Design and the professions it serves while supporting the next generation of architects, designers, and creative leaders.
Thank you for joining us and for being an important part of our community. We hope you enjoy the evening.
Program
Welcome
Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98) Chair, FRIENDS Executive Committee New York Metro Regional Executive, WSP
Dean’s Remarks
Maria R. Perbellini, Assoc. AIA Dean and Professor School of Architecture and Design, New York Institute of Technology
FRIENDS Scholarship Recipients Presenter
Naz Longo, R.A. (B.Arch. ’18) Vice Chair, FRIENDS Scholarship Committee Project Architect, H2M architects + engineers
FRIENDS Scholarship Recipients
Aliza Asad, Student Speaker Sidra Ali Shikha Saurabhkumar Gandhi Vidissha Suvidh Nikam
President’s Welcome
Jerry Balentine, D.O., FACEP President, New York Institute of Technology
Emerging Alumni Award Presenter
Roxana Escobar Kariyannis, Assoc. AIA (B.Arch. ’00) Vice Chair, FRIENDS Planning Committee Founder & President, NAWI
Emerging Alumni Award Recipient
Roberto Vila, AIA, LEED AP (M.Arch. ’08) Senior Principal Architect, Stantec
Distinguished Alumni Award Presenter
Maria R. Perbellini, Assoc. AIA
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Jacqueline Velez, AIA, NCARB (B.S. ’85) JMV Associates, LLC and JMV Architect, PLLC
Distinguished Alumni Award Presenter
Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98)
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Joseph M. Mottola, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’88) Chief Operating Officer, H2M architects + engineers
Closing Remarks
Maria R. Perbellini, Assoc. AIA
Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98)
Program
Welcome
Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98) Chair, FRIENDS Executive Committee New York Metro Regional Executive, WSP
Dean’s Remarks
Maria R. Perbellini, Assoc. AIA Dean and Professor School of Architecture and Design, New York Institute of Technology
FRIENDS Scholarship Recipients Presenter
Naz Longo, R.A. (B.Arch. ’18) Vice Chair, FRIENDS Scholarship Committee Project Architect, H2M architects + engineers
FRIENDS Scholarship Recipients
Aliza Asad, Student Speaker
Sidra Ali
Shikha Saurabhkumar Gandhi
Vidissha Suvidh Nikam
President’s Welcome
Jerry Balentine, D.O., FACEP President, New York Institute of Technology
Emerging Alumni Award Presenter
Roxana Escobar Kariyannis, Assoc. AIA (B.Arch. ’00) Vice Chair, FRIENDS Planning Committee Founder & President, NAWI
Emerging Alumni Award Recipient
Roberto Vila, AIA, LEED AP (M.Arch. ’08) Senior Principal Architect, Stantec
Distinguished Alumni Award Presenter
Maria R. Perbellini, Assoc. AIA
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Jacqueline Velez, AIA, NCARB (B.S. ’85) JMV Associates, LLC and JMV Architect, PLLC
Distinguished Alumni Award Presenter
Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98)
Distinguished Alumni Award Recipient
Joseph M. Mottola, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’88) Chief Operating Officer, H2M architects + engineers
Closing Remarks
Maria R. Perbellini, Assoc. AIA
Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98)
2026 Honorees
Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors
Thank You To Our 2026 Sponsors
MORE FROM FRIENDS & THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
About, Missions Statements, Committee
MORE FROM FRIENDS & THE SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE AND DESIGN
About, Missions Statements, Committee
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