The Regnier family

Changing lives by: Inviting nationally and internationally recognized architecture professors from Japan, Spain, Finland, Argentina and Germany to be named as recipients of the Victor L. Regnier Visiting Chair. The Regnier Visiting Chair program was established during the Changing Lives Campaign by Victor L. Regnier's children: Victor A. Regnier ’71, Robert D. Regnier ’70 and Catherine M. Regnier.

Why they gave: “K-State has a first-rate architecture program with an outstanding faculty and a dedicated group of hard-working students,” Victor A. Regnier said. “Bob, Cathy and I wanted to do something that allowed the faculty and students to spend more time with these internationally esteemed design professionals — a visiting professorship program of this sort seemed like the perfect solution.”

Why it matters: In 2007, Finnish architect Mikko Heikkinen spent several weeks in residence at K-State teaching students enrolled in fifth-year studio. Heikkinen charged the students with designing a Tallgrass Prairie Retreat Center for a remote site in Chase County, Kan.

“Mikko’s visit brought a unique perspective and an outside voice from Finland to critique and offer advice to students,” said Peter Stutz, an architecture student who studied under Heikkinen. “He inspired me to look at art as an inspiration for architectural design, as well as larger organizational patterns in cityscapes and landscapes.”

What people are saying: “The Regnier Visiting Chair program significantly enriches our architecture program at K-State,” said Dennis Law, dean of the College of Architecture, Planning and Design. “Students and faculty alike have the opportunity to work closely with prominent architects who have a world-wide perspective. Thanks to the Regnier family, K-State architecture students are personally exposed to international design perspectives.”