Cheri Rodgers Gerou, FAIA, Elevated to The American Institute of Architects (AIA) College of Fellows

DENVER (Feb. 15, 2011) - The American Institute of Architects (AIA) elevated 104 architects to its prestigious College of Fellows, an honor awarded to members who have made contributions of national significance to the profession. One AIA Denver member architect, Cheri Rodgers Gerou, FAIA, was awarded this honor.

Out of a membership of more than 80,000, there are fewer than 2,700 AIA members distinguished with the honor of fellowship. It is conferred on architects with at least 10 years of membership with AIA who have made significant contributions in the following areas: the aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession; the standards of architectural education, training and practice; the building industry through leadership in AIA and other related professional organizations; advancement of living standards of people through an improved environment; and to society through significant public service.

Gerou, of Gerou & Associates, Ltd., Evergreen, Colo., was elected to receive this honor due to a lifetime of leadership within her community and profession. Having been a driving force within the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and, most recently, as an elected official in the Colorado House of Representatives, Gerou has consistently been a leader. For nearly 30, years she has worked with community, professional and legislative organizations to advance the goals of those organizations, the profession and society at large.

"I am humbled by this honor. As only the third woman from Colorado to have been elected to the College of Fellows, I am grateful for the support and encouragement shown by our profession," said Gerou.

As a state legislator, Gerou has not only represented the architecture profession but has been a vocal and prominent advocate for issues concerning the profession. Gerou is one of only seven architects nationwide to hold a statewide legislative seat. Gerou works toward fiscal responsibility by serving on the state’s Joint Budget Committee. She has also educated architects from around the country about the role of Citizen Architect through local, regional and national speaking engagements.

As a leader within the architectural community, Gerou has served AIA at all levels, including a term as AIA Colorado president in 2006. Through advocacy and fiscal responsibility she has instituted a legacy of programs and policies based on sound principles and purposeful dialogue. The Financial Reserve Policies she helped develop for both AIA Denver and AIA Colorado have helped secure the stability of those organizations while establishing a blueprint that has been duplicated by other components. A prevailing theme to all her work is to establish policies and procedures not just for the task at hand but for the organization and its members for years to come. Her work with NCARB in editing national publications and providing questions for the national licensing exam has been a natural extension of her service on the Colorado State Licensing Board.

In each of her varied positions, Gerou has excelled at establishing relationships, programs, policies and legislation that produce an impact well beyond the present situation and extend far beyond local boundaries.

The new Fellows, who are entitled to use the designation "FAIA" following their names, will be invested in the College of Fellows at the 2011 AIA National Convention and Design Exposition in New Orleans on Friday, May 13.

The 2011 Jury of Fellows was chaired by Robert D. Loversidge, FAIA, Schooley Caldwell Associates, Columbus, Ohio. Other jury members were Henry C. Alexander Jr., FAIA, Rizo, Carreno & Partners, Coral Gables, Fla.; Jeffrey A. Huberman, FAIA, Gantt Huberman Architects, PLLC, Charlotte; Leevi Kiil, FAIA, Leevi Kiil Architect, Wayne, N.J.; Paula J. Loomis, FAIA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Norfolk, Va.; Gregory S. Palermo, FAIA, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa; and Linda Searl, FAIA, Searl Lamaster Howe Architects, Chicago.