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Years Employed with the College: 43 

Primary Positions Held at the College: Emeritus Professor of Architecture and chair of numerous committees in both the department and college. 

Primary Courses and Studios Taught: 

Undergraduate and graduate design studios - 43 years

Undergraduate and graduate architectural history courses including Asian, 19^th and 20^th century European and American and the Great Plains-35 years

The teaching career of Sawyers began rather unexpectedly in the Department of Architecture at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln, immediately following graduation from Iowa State University in the spring of 1958. Earlier that spring, Sawyers had participated in a panel discussion at the annual meeting of the Iowa Architects Association, which included Iowa architects, faculty from several Midwestern architecture departments, and students from ISU. It was during this panel that Sawyers met Professor Linus Burr Smith, Chair of the Department of Architecture at UNL. Apparently making a strong impression, Sawyers received a phone call a few days later from Professor Smith offering a teaching position—an opportunity that would evolve into a 43-year career, lasting until retirement in 2001. During those early years, Professor Smith served as an important mentor and example, one that Sawyers endeavored to pass on to future students.

Throughout the teaching career, Sawyers emphasized one-on-one instruction with design students, encouraging them to explore design solutions that pushed the perceived boundaries of their projects. Students were urged to trust in [Name]'s support both during and after studio project reviews, and as they advanced through the design curriculum. It was [Name]’s hope that students would carry this inquisitive and exploratory approach into their professional lives.

In addition to design instruction, Sawyers had a deep passion for teaching architectural history. Believing that an adequate understanding and interpretation of architecture required firsthand experience, Sawyers visited more than 100 countries and all seven continents. This global exploration was encouraged by Professor Smith, who also had a strong interest in travel. Seeking to share this passion, Sawyers served six times as director of the college’s spring London Program—in 1972, 1982, 1989, 1996, 1999, and 2006.

Each preceding fall semester was dedicated to preparing students for their studies and independent travel throughout Great Britain and Europe. During this period, the excitement and anticipation among the students was always evident.

[Name] remains confident that the London Program was one of the most meaningful life experiences for many of the participants. In several instances, the program inspired graduates to return to Great Britain to pursue careers in architecture, a legacy that continues to this day.

Early Memories of London:

In the early years, London was one of the least expensive major cities to visit. Over time, however, it became one of the most expensive. At one point, there was even consideration of purchasing a permanent property in London to host students, rather than relying on hostels, though this idea was never realized. Today, such an investment would be prohibitively costly.

To illustrate how affordable London was in 1972: a cup of tea cost just 5 pence, and a full meal—including meat, vegetables, salad, dessert, and tea—could be purchased for 65 pence. By comparison, a similar lunch in the U.S. at the time cost around $3. Even with the exchange rate, London offered an excellent value for students abroad.