The University of Illinois has the second oldest architecture program in the United States. In 1873, Dr. Nathan Clifford Ricker, the first-ever graduate of an American architecture school, took the helm of the University of Illinois Architecture program and embarked on the long journey towards a new architecture. While at the University, Dr. Ricker was a member of the organizational team which created Alpha Rho Chi, and he was honored as our first Master Architect. During the century of its existence, many Alumni have been recognized for their architectural creativity and innovation.
These include Max Abramowitz, Cesar Pelli, Ralph Johnson, George Keck, and William Keck.