I count my many blessings all year long, but particularly at this time of year, now that we’re approaching Thanksgiving. As I’ve said before, I am particularly grateful for the wonderful students, colleagues and friends I have, particularly those in the architecture and design fields.

As if teaching, lecturing, leading tours and learning about design weren’t enough, along comes some very sweet icing on the cake. Case in point was an honor I recently received from the American Society of Interior Designers. Unfortunately, I could not attend the awards ceremony, but here is what my dear friend and colleague Kat Fern of ASID wrote to me:

“There was a huge round of applause when I announced the winner of the Dorothy Peterson Award for Outstanding Support of Education and showed the beautiful inscribed crystal red apple award to the attendees.

“The winner was Eleanor Schrader Schapa, and it was my great, great pleasure to be in a position to honor you.

“Below is what I planned to say, although I know I embellished it a bit when at the podium, as I am known to do.

“‘Eleanor not only teaches at UCLA and Santa Monica College the important fundamentals and history classes, she also has supported our chapter by providing numerous presentations at Chapter events, as a star panelist on our WestWeek panel at Jasper, and (as a speaker) for the Assistance League and Friends of Greystone and at the PDC (Pacific Design Center). She is a wonderful example to our student members who adore her, as do all who know her.  Eleanor is the personification of elegance and a champion of style. My friend Eleanor is a passionate redhead who nurtures her students and continues to support their careers long after graduation.’

“You would have loved the Woot! Woot! and applause I got for saying that. . .and all the nods in agreement.

“Thank you Eleanor for all you have contributed this past year, and for all you continue to give to students of interior design.

“ASID loves you!”

And I, in turn, love ASID – and all of you! Happy Thanksgiving!

All my best to you,

 

Eleanor