ANDRE VEGA BosNOMA PRESIDENT Dear NOMA Members and Conference Attendees. On behalf of the Boston Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, I would like to welcome you all to Boston and the 38th annual NOMA Conference. The theme of the 2010 NOMA Conference is “REINVENT, REBUILD, RECONNECT: Innovation can happen in turbulent times.” This is what we must do to survive the current economy in the United States. We must reinvent ourselves and work to stay afloat during a severe recession. We must rebuild our infrastructure, economically and physically, to sustain us as we move forward. We look forward to reconnecting with friends and colleagues every year at the NOMA conference. Over the past year and a half, the Boston Chapter has been working extremely hard to put together a stimulating three days of education, discussion, a product expo, nightly entertainment, and more. The result is an exciting program of seminars and panels. Nationally recognized key note speakers, Toni Griffin and Maurice Cox, will join us. And we will present a Lifetime Achievement Award to Stull & Lee Architects, the oldest minority owned architecture firm in Boston. The entertainment will be no less rewarding than the education. We look forward to the Host Chapter Party, The Bro’s Arts Ball and the first NOMA Basketball Classic, a basketball game between students and professionals. This event is certain to create lasting memories. We have also left time in the conference schedule to allow everyone to explore Boston’s rich historic architecture and culture. Thank you all for attending the NOMA Conference this year and continuing to support NOMA as we grow and develop into a nationally recognized organization. It is our hope that you will find your time, here in Boston, to be educational, rewarding and relaxing. It is also our hope that you will leave Boston with a renewed appreciation and respect for the city that we call home. Please have a great conference and enjoy your time here in Bean Town. Sincerely,
Andre A. Vega, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BosNOMA, President
PRESIDENTS’ WELCOME 4