Our Crowdfunding Groups
Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Chuck Albanese focused much of his interest and activities on music. Studying at the University of Illinois to become an architect, Chuck met his wife Claire. They married just after graduation and struck out on an adventure that would shape his passion for travel and inform his career as an architect and professor.
For a full year, traveling in a Volkswagen camper on a fellowship from the University of Illinois, Chuck and Claire saw Europe, documenting every discovery, experience and inspiring sight in a journal and sketchbook. They immersed themselves in each country they visited, met locals and were invited into homes to share meals, celebrations and events. Food, music and languages enriched their understanding of the relationship between culture, lifestyle, architecture and art.
They returned to the States and Chuck joined the faculty at the University of Arizona, College of Architecture in 1967. Chuck taught and practiced architecture for the next 36 years – consistently drawing from his travel experiences. In 1989, Chuck began a summer study abroad program – he and Claire took students to Greece and Italy for thirteen summers, sharing his love of art and architecture and his belief in the value of the travel experience. Chuck retired, and returned as the Dean of CAPLA for two years in 2006.
Chuck has been a devoted member of the CAPLA community for the past 54 years, encouraging and inspiring students to find their own unique path in the building industry. He and Claire established a scholarship, to financially support students who wish to experience international travel. The Chuck and Claire Albanese Travel Scholarship has been awarded to a deserving and adventurous student since 2001.
Please consider a donation to this scholarship fund to help CAPLA support more student travel. Thank you.
