Howard Alan.
July 7, 1931 – May 19, 2023
Howard passed away peacefully surrounded by love on May 19, 2023. Born in Chicago, Howard graduated from Hyde Park High School before studying architecture at University of Southern California, Los Angeles. He completed his architecture degree at the University of Oklahoma, Norman, where he studied under his mentor, Bruce Alonzo Goff. During this time he was drafted by the U.S. Army to serve as an artillery surveyor during the Korean War. Howard specialized in alternative energy architecture and was part of a school of organic architects known as the “Friends of Kebyar”. He lived his life according to the shared values of the best part of his generation, that of social justice and civil rights. Devoted father of Jessica Alan, Ruth Eve Alan, and Alexander Blakeney (Bonnie Thornton) Alan; loving grandfather (“Jumpah”) of Max Connor Marcus. Former spouse of the late Linda Goffen and Jean Ruth Alan, former partner of Patricia Ann Blakeney. Preceded in death by parents Murray Spiegel and Elizabeth “Betty” (Harry) Feldman (nee Banks), cousin and ersatz brother Jerry Garten, and by his best friend in the whole world, Bumper the red & rust Doberman Pinscher. Private burial at Waldheim Cemetery.
A celebration of Howard’s life is being planned for the Summer Solstice, 2024.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association here.
During the Spring 2026 semester, students in Interior Design Studio IV and Graduate Studio IV gained hands-on experience in educational facility design through a semester-long partnership with MA+ Architecture.
The Christopher C. Gibbs College of Architecture congratulates Dr. Tammy McCuen, Robert E. Busch Professor of Construction Science, on beginning her term as president of the Associated Schools of Construction (ASC), an international organization dedicated to advancing construction education through teaching, research and service.
Following years of contributions to the College’s research and strategic initiatives, Gibbs College shares that Associate Dean for Research and External Engagement Angela M. Person, PhD, will step down from her position at Gibbs College as she moves to Tucson with her family, effective June 30, 2026.
