Edward V. Olencki, Professor of Architecture in the College of Architecture and Urban Planning, retired from active faculty status on May 31, 1987, following 39 years of service to The University of Michigan.

Professor Olencki earned his B.S. degree in 1944 and his M.S. degree in 1949, both from the Illinois Institute of Technology. He gained his initial professional experience as a designer and draftsman in the office of Mies Van der Rohe, in Chicago, from 1943-48. He joined the faculty of The University of Michigan in 1948 as an instructor in architecture. He was named assistant professor in 1950, associate professor in 1953, and professor in 1963. Professor Olencki also served as acting chairman of the Department of Architecture from 1964-65. Throughout most of his years on the faculty, he maintained a modest architectural practice in Ann Arbor, completing a variety of residential, commercial, educational, and religious buildings.

During his many years on the faculty, Professor Olencki taught a broad range of courses at all levels of the curriculum. In recent years, his teaching efforts were concentrated in three areas: construction materials and methods, comprehensive architectural design, and furniture design. His ability and willingness to contribute to the teaching program in various areas have made Professor Olencki a vital member of the faculty. His administrative service has included membership on and chairmanship of many departmental and college committees. He has also received two Rackham grants, which enabled him to pursue studies in contemporary church architecture.

Over the years, Professor Olencki has selflessly devoted many hours to professional, civic, environmental, and religious organizations. He is an active member of the Huron Valley Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and served as chapter president in 1975. He has been a design juror for several AIA honor awards programs and for professional licensing examinations. Professor Olencki has been a lecturer and panelist at many conferences on church architecture, and was vice president of the American Society for Church Architecture. For many years he has also been a member and chairman of the Ann Arbor Building Board of Appeals.

The Regents now salute Edward V. Olencki for his many contributions by naming him Professor Emeritus of Architecture.