Bob Krieger ’80 A&A credits Penn State and the College of Arts and Architecture with providing the opportunity to gain the skills, knowledge, and perspective needed to further his education and launch his career. Bob shared that he found lifelong friendships and formed valuable networks during his time as a student that have defined his path in life.
In 1988, after earning a B.Arch degree from Penn State and a M.Arch degree from Cornell University, Bob co-founded Dahn & Krieger Architects Planners PC in Rochelle Park, NJ, with a Penn State classmate, Bill Dahn. Since then, Dahn & Krieger has completed multidisciplinary projects throughout the United States for clients such as BMW, Porcelanosa, Sunrun, LA Fitness, and Starbucks. In October 2007, the partners established the Dahn & Krieger Trustee Scholarship which honors both their friendship that began as college freshmen as well as the years they spent at Penn State. He said, “Because of my fabulous student experience, giving to Penn State is a priority for me.” The friends continued their commitment to giving back to the University by later establishing the Butler House Trustee Scholarship and the Louis P. Inserra Award in the Department of Architecture.
Bob’s volunteerism at Penn State began in October 2008 when he joined the College of Arts and Architecture’s campaign committee during the For the Future campaign. He continued his committee service during the Greater Penn State campaign as co-chair for the college’s campaign committee and philanthropic council. Currently, he serves on the Stuckeman School’s Department of Architecture alumni program group (APG) board and as a College of Arts and Architecture alumni mentor. He views his volunteerism as a righteous undertaking to help provide a fulfilling educational experience to future generations of Penn Staters. “If you want to support the college’s strategic vision or the arts at Penn State generally, campaign committee and council membership is a rewarding and worthwhile endeavor. It certainly has been for me,” said Bob.
He began volunteering for the College of Arts and Architecture because he believes in Penn State’s mission to educate students and provide them with the tools necessary to become leaders in their communities. “I enjoy furthering my connection to the college and enhancing my involvement with the Stuckeman School’s Department of Architecture. I view these opportunities as a way of promoting and improving the experience of students while helping to build stronger relationships between the department and alumni in the industry.” One of Bob’s key priorities is to increase the outreach of the Department of Architecture by engaging early to mid-career alumni to leverage their talents and energy. His ultimate goal is to raise the program’s profile and reputation in the industry.
Bob’s dedication to philanthropy stems from this same passion for organizations and their missions. He shared, “I believe that we stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I also believe we should have a strong feeling of personal responsibility to support the organizations that helped put us on the path to success–with both our time and philanthropy–for the betterment of students, industry, and the University.” He expressed hope that future Penn Staters will employ their education and experience to make a positive impact on their communities and eventually chart their own philanthropic paths. “My goal is to inspire others to discover and embrace philanthropy and volunteerism,” said Bob. “If you want to make a difference in the lives of future Penn Staters and believe in the work of the College of Arts and Architecture, volunteering presents a great opportunity to do just that.” Bob shared that he will always be appreciative of both his time at Penn State and the lifelong relationships he formed while in school. Since his days as a student, Bob has found inspiration in the University’s alma mater, reflecting: “Thou didst mold me, Dear Old State.”
Inspired by Bob’s service to Penn State?
Give to the Butler House Trustee Scholarship
Give to the Louis P. Inserra Award in the Department of Architecture in the College of Arts and Architecture