Tribute

Donna P. Duerk passed peacefully with her family at her side on January 19, in San Luis Obispo. Donna led an interesting and accomplished life, independently and determinedly earning her way to a highly accomplished career in architecture and education. She graduated from NC State, practiced architecture in Houston Texas, and got her master's degree at MIT before accepting a professorship at Cal Poly. During her 30 or so years at Cal Poly, she published several books. Professor of Architecture turned out to be her dream job and SLO her dream town. Her home was often referred to as “the jungle downtown.” Donna was a Master Gardener, a blue ribbon-winning member of the Central Coast Cactus and Succulent Society, as well as a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers. Her dedication to education, promotion of women in architecture, art in public places, and sustainability of our planet can be seen through the various scholarships and endowments she started at NC State, Cal Poly, and continued contributions to a host of organizations that work toward the sustainability of our planet. Donna is survived by her sister Martha Wolfe and brother Forrest James Pecht, as well as her daughter Stephanie, Stephanie’s husband Tim Mamis, and their children Piper and Calvin Mamis.

Friends & Family