Thursday, May 28, 2009
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Tickets $50 per person

UO in Portland
White Stag Block
70 N.W Couch St.
Portland, OR  97209

For table sponsorship, please contact Joseph Hunter at (541) 346-3697 or jlhunter@uoregon.edu.

Proceeds support financial aid for historic preservation students.

UO honors James Hamrick with 2009 McMath Award for preservation achievements

Longtime leader and advocate for historic preservation in Oregon, James Hamrick has been chosen to receive the 2009 McMath Award. Hamrick served for twenty-five years in guiding and leading the state of Oregon’s heritage conservation efforts.  The award is given each year by the University of Oregon and Venerable Group, Inc. to an individual who exhibits life-long commitment to historic preservation.  This year’s presentation of the award will be held on Thursday, May 28 at a luncheon at the White Stag Block, UO in Portland, 70 N.W. Couch Street.

Full Story

About the McMath Award

Each year, the McMath award will celebrate a leader in the field who has made significant contributions to historic preservation in the state of Oregon.

Nomination Form

• Download the McMath Historic Preservation Award Nomination Form

The purpose of these awards is to:

• Honor and celebrate the legacy of George McMath
• Raise awareness of historic preservation in Oregon
• Recognize significant leaders in the field
• Promote excellence in preservation practice
• Recognize individual and group preservation contributions to the state’s historic landscape
• Build partnerships between the professional and academic communities to enhance the field of preservation

The recipient will be publicly honored at a ceremony each May. He or she will be invited to participate in university lectures, workshops, and courses, and also be acknowledged in a university publication and website.

A jury of educators and professionals will consider each nomination for outstanding contributions made in the state of Oregon. If you would like to be considered as a member of this jury please contact Kingston Heath, Program Director at 541.346.2115 or email kwheath@uoregon.edu.

The Father of Preservation

George McMath, FAIA, is widely remembered as one of the most important figures in the preservation and restoration of Portland's historic buildings. From an early age McMath had an interest in architecture, particularly preservation and restoration architecture. After witnessing the demolition of several of Portland's historic buildings, McMath was inspired with a passion to protect and preserve Portland's architectural history. During the 1960s and 1970s, McMath worked tirelessly toward his goal of architectural preservation. He was chairman for several different organizations and committees, crafted laws to protect historic buildings, carried out surveys of Portland's architecture, personally worked on countless restoration projects, and always acted as a leader in preserving Portland's architectural history. McMath's work was so influential that in 1981, he was recognized by the American Institute of Architects with one of its highest honors when he was elected into its College of Fellows for his leadership in the field of Architectural Preservation. At the time of his semi-retirement in 1996, McMath had cemented his reputation as the "father of preservation" and as one of the most significant figures in Oregon architecture.

Criteria

• Exceptional merit in the field of historic preservation as evidenced by research, documentation, and/or practice in preservation
• Has approached historic preservation as a method of urban revitalization that renews diverse, older neighborhoods
• Has met the unique needs of a community through the rehabilitation and active use of significant buildings, open spaces, or landmarks, and urban areas
• Raised public awareness of historic preservation through practice, advocacy, and/or public policy
• Demonstrated the highest caliber of preservation work through his or her career
• Has made a significant impact on the cultural and historical landscape of Oregon

Eligibility

• Nominees must be individuals or representatives of an organization, company, or agency involved in historic preservation.
• Preference may be given to those who have recognized the heritage value within the community, city, or the state levels.
• Self-nominations will be accepted

Judgement Categories

• Innovation
• Impact
• Quality
• Standards of preservation practice

The UO/Venerable Group, Inc Partnership

Venerable Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide a full range of professional real estate services with a special focus on historic properties. President and founder, Art DeMuro established Venerable in 1991 with a particular niche in historic commercial redevelopment and is one of Portland's most successful redevelopers in that arena. Venerable has introduced new business vitality into Portland's evolving neighborhoods.

Through a generous contribution, Venerable and the University of Oregon have established the Venerable Historic Preservation Program Fund, which provides support for new adjunct faculty members and recognizes significant leaders in preservation through the George McMath Historic Preservation Awards.

An Opportunity for Corporate Partnerships

The University of Oregon invites professionals at the forefront of preservation and development to join Venerable as Corporate Partners for the Historic Preservation Program. These esteemed organizations and their executives will have a pivotal role in guiding the program and shaping the future of Oregon's historic preservation efforts.

Your leadership will help secure investments necessary to:

• Support new full time faculty and visiting professors
• Participate in unique research opportunities
• Provide recruiting funds to attract an international student body
• Provide Graduate Teaching Fellowships

These opportunities will continue to build meaningful, mutually beneficial partnerships with the University of Oregon. For more information on becoming a corporate partner contact Joseph Hunter at: (541) 346-0386 or jlhunter@uoregon.edu.