Matt Finn

Student, Architecture

Why Architecture?

I like to be creative, but I have a very logical way of thinking, so for me architecture is a perfect fit.  I get to be as crazy as I want during some parts of the design process, but in the end I get the gratification of a real building that solves real problems.  I also like people; I enjoy the way that architecture contributes to one’s quality of life, and I hope to positively contribute to this for many people.

Advice for new students?

SPSU is an awesome school because you have the chance to have a personal relationship with all of your professors, which hasn’t been the case according to most of my high school friends attending other universities.  Take advantage of this, they’ll be a great help later in life to help answer questions about classes and the profession... and to help you find jobs. 

Best extra-curricular activity             

ANYTHING!!!  For me, this has changed in the years I’ve attended SPSU.  In the beginning, Sigma Nu was the right place for me, since then I have been the Vice-President of SPSU’s chapter of the AIAs, a national architecture student organization, both have been great.  I’ve played intramural sports and even recently started working with the Sting as a photographer, another great experience.  I have friends involved in the International Student Association, Student Government, Ultimate Frisbee, and working in the school Cafeteria; and they’re all happy doing their own thing.  To each, his own!  But whatever you do, just do something.  Don’t go to class and then take a nap or play computer games in your dorm.  Make the most of your time on campus and be social, you never know who you’ll meet. 

The most interesting student

I’ve meet a lot of great people here, but one of the most interesting is Carolina Daza, a Colombian student majoring in International Studies.  She’s managing the Starbucks on campus, is the President of the SGA, and teaching a Tae-Bo class in the Rec Center...  and she’s only a sophomore!  I really enjoy talking to her; she always has something new to talk about and is very upbeat and in a good mood. 

My favorite professor

In the architecture department we have a lot of great professors, but one has really proven himself as an outstanding educator, Tony Rizzuto.  He teaches architectural history and studio design courses.  He is always willing to talk with you; he’s known for staying late, sometimes hours after class has ended so that everyone gets a fair chance to meet with him.  And he always seems to know something about whatever you’re interested in, if its history, building materials, or just a recent architectural competition you read about in a magazine.  

Coolest SPSU experience so far

During the fall semester of 2005, the Architecture Department Chair, Ameen Farooq invited 6 students to attend a workshop in Bellagio, Italy.  The workshop included 7 European Universities and SPSU; we were the only school invited from the US.  The city organized the workshop to get ideas to re-invigorate the small town on Lake Como.  In teams, we worked with students from Italy, Germany, Poland, and Latvia.  It was interesting to see the different approaches that were practiced in other countries, and also to live in the community for 2 weeks where we were designing.  We gained a true understanding of the culture and people whom we were designing for.  Overall, the workshop was great success, and we all made some great friends.