New York Tech Celebrates 18 Years of FRIENDS

On October 29, the School of Architecture and Design celebrated its 18th Annual Alumni and FRIENDS Reception, raising $182,698 in support of student scholarships, technology upgrades, lectures, study abroad, and new initiatives. This year’s tally brings the overall support raised through FRIENDS to more than $2.9 million.

More than 200 alumni, faculty, staff, students, and friends gathered at The Garden City Hotel on Long Island to honor three alumni who have made significant impacts in architecture, design, and construction, and celebrate the achievements of the School of Architecture and Design faculty and students.

“FRIENDS celebrates those who open doors for others and a community that believes in its students,” said Maria R. Perbellini, M.Arch., dean of the School of Architecture and Design. “This connection between generations reminds us that innovation is not simply about new technologies. It is about what we do with them -and whom we empower along the way. Thank you for being part of this journey.”

President Jerry Balentine, D.O., recognized the attendees’ sponsorship: “I want to thank the FRIENDS for everything this group has done. To come together as alumni and friends who love the school and want to do something for our students and faculty, it’s incredible.”

Spotlight on Students

New York Tech students were also highlighted throughout the evening as models and project posters were displayed, providing an opportunity for students to share the stories behind their work and build their professional networks. Also spotlighted in the program were the 2026 FRIENDS Scholarship recipients:

• Sidra Ali, fourth-year interior design
• Aliza Asad, fourth-year architectural technology
• Shikha Saurabhkumar Gandhi, fifth-year architecture
• Vidissha Suvidh Nikam, fifth-year architecture

Representing the students, Asad thanked the FRIENDS and its supporters for the honor and recognition, “We look up to the FRIENDS and alumni, whose achievements and success inspire us. Receiving these scholarships from the FRIENDS reminds us that our hard work is recognized by people who see our potential and believe in our future. What makes this especially meaningful is knowing that the FRIENDS are investing not only in who we are as students today, but also in the professionals we hope to become.”

FRIENDS Honorees

The FRIENDS of the School of Architecture and Design, chaired by Tom Scerbo, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’98), presented Roberto Vila, AIA, LEED AP (M.Arch. ’08) with the Emerging Alumni Award, and Jacqueline Velez, AIA, NCARB (B.S. ’85) and Joseph Mottola, AIA, NCARB (B.Arch. ’88) were both honored with the Distinguished Alumni Award.

“Tonight, we honor three extraordinary individuals who reflect the very best of New York Tech,” said Scerbo. “Each has made a meaningful impact on our profession, our community, and our university.”

Vila, a senior principal and architect at Stantec, has dedicated himself to enhancing the passenger experience through the design of train and bus stations, major transportation terminals, and airports. Today, Vila is leading efforts on John F. Kennedy Airport Terminal 6, a world-class $4.2 billion terminal scheduled to open in 2026. Throughout his career, he has been involved with the design or management of transportation projects such as the Newark Liberty Airport AirTrain project in New Jersey, New York Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal, Yankee Stadium station, and the Harrison PATH station for Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena)  in Harrison, N.J. During his remarks, Vila reflected on how New York Tech has been with him throughout his career.

“As I look back on my career, I realize that New York Tech has been part of my journey from the very beginning. More than 20 years ago, two New York Tech alumni, Suzanne Sowinski and Rich Sullivan, gave me my first opportunity when I was just starting out. They introduced me to transportation architecture and, honestly, changed the course of my life. Years later, another New York Tech alumnus, Al Consoli, gave me the opportunity to lead the transit practice at Jacobs. Once again, someone from the New York Tech community opened a door for me and helped me take the next step.”

Velez, founder and principal at JMV Associates, LLC and JMV Architect, PLLC, is an architect, entrepreneur, and advocate for the architectural profession with more than 40 years of experience. Through her Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs), she has led the successful delivery of educational, residential, commercial, institutional, and religious projects throughout New York. Being recognized by her alma mater, where her professional journey began, is among the most meaningful honors of her career.

“New York Tech gave me the education, discipline, and confidence I needed to turn that dream into a profession. The lessons I learned here prepared me for the challenges and responsibilities that followed. Being a Latina in a profession where women, and Latinas especially, are underrepresented has shaped my perspective and deepened my commitment to helping others find their place in architecture. I want young women, especially those who rarely see themselves reflected in the profession, to know that they belong and that their goals are within reach.”

Mottola, chief operating officer at H2M architects + engineers, has more than 35 years of experience in architecture, design, and construction. He has played a pivotal role in the growth and success of H2M, helping guide the firm’s technical operations, strategic initiatives, and multidisciplinary project delivery across the New York metropolitan area. Mottola joined H2M in 1987 as the firm’s second architect after studying architecture at New York Institute of Technology. As the practice grew, he took on increasing leadership responsibilities and became instrumental in building the firm’s architectural operations.

“As I moved through my professional career, it became apparent that the spaces that we create not only make a difference for those that experience the space, but we also impact the communities that benefit from those spaces we create. In my 40 years at H2M, I have been lucky to collaborate with so many talented architects and engineers, designing not only fire stations, but libraries, schools, assisted living facilities, sporting fields, and water and wastewater treatment facilities. Each of the projects we designed is making a difference in the lives of others.”

By Sabrina Polidoro