University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa School of Architecture Dean William (Bill) Chapman is the recipient of the distinguished 2020 Preservation Alumni Leadership Award. Presented annually to an outstanding graduate of Columbia University’s Historic Preservation Program, the award recognizes community leaders who are an essential part of keeping preservation relevant and innovative.
Chapman has made several outstanding contributions to the field of preservation, particularly through educating generations of students and the public about historic sites and monuments in Southeast Asia. Chapman’s research spans the fields of anthropology, archaeology and architectural history. He has been internationally recognized as a leading authority in historic preservation survey, documentation techniques and in the history of Caribbean and Pacific architecture.
“I’m always surprised when I get an award,” said Chapman. “This was really touching, coming as it did from my old university and decided by much-loved colleagues and friends. I feel in good company.”
Highlights of Chapman’s career include serving as the chair of the Department of American Studies and director of the graduate program in historic preservation at UH Mānoa. He is a four-time Fulbright Scholar and was the American candidate at the International Center for the Study of Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property in Rome. Chapman has lectured extensively at universities throughout Thailand and Cambodia, contributed to UNESCO projects and much more.
In light of the recent events surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, the event and award presentation have been postponed until a later date.
