The Foundation’s Executive Committee sadly notes the passing of the organization’s first president and longtime supporter Van Dorn Hooker, Jr. on June 14, 2015. We offer heartfelt condolences to his surviving children, Ann Hooker Clarke and John Hooker, and his grandchildren.
Van Dorn Hooker was a charter member and continued to be active with the Foundation until very recent years. We were delighted when he attended the Foundation’s 2015 Annual Meeting on May 30. Mr. Hooker’s fellow founding officers were Harold Joe Waldrum (artist), Phillipe Register (architect), Stan Davis (contractor), Robert Reisacher (architect), and Donald Stevens (architect).
In addition to Mr. Hooker’s long-term involvement, his wife, Peggy Hooker, was also an officer of the Foundation and an early architect in New Mexico with a long and active practice.
Many articles and stories of his legacy have been written. Follow these links to learn more about Van Dorn Hooker:
- Building a history: Architect reflects on a legacy at UNM (New Mexico Daily Lobo)
- Perspective and Progress: Former University Architect Van Dorn Hooker Reflects on 50 Years of Growth at UNM (UNM Foundation)
- Van Dorn Hooker and UNM (New Mexico Mercury)
- 2007 Silver Medal for Lifetime Achievement: Van Dorn Hooker, FAIA (AIA New Mexico)
- Van Dorn Hooker Jr., UNM architect, dies at age 93 (ABQ Journal)
Mr. Hooker’s obituary notice names the Foundation as one of three organizations to receive donations in lieu of flowers. We appreciate this affirmation of our mission.
To make a tax-deductible donation to the New Mexico Architectural Foundation in memory of Van Dorn Hooker:
Mailing Address
NMAF | PO Box 3666
Albuquerque, NM 87190
– or –
Donate Online
New Mexico Architectural Foundation 
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