The University of Texas at Austin celebrated the dedication of the John S. Chase Architecture and Planning Library on Oct. 22. The university said Chase was the first Black graduate of its School of Architecture and became Texas' first Black licensed architect. He earned a Master of Architecture in 1952.
The naming was made possible by a $5 million gift from Chase's son, Anthony "Tony" Chase, and daughter-in-law Dina Al-Sowayel. The gift includes a $1 million pledge that set up two new endowments for the School of Architecture.
UT President Jim Davis said Chase "broke barriers" during his career and gave back to the university. Robert H. McDonald, senior vice provost and UT Libraries director, said the gift helps preserve Chase's contributions to architecture and higher education. Chase also served as the first Black president of the Texas Exes in 1998-99.