Mark was my first graduate studio professor and was one of the most caring and thoughtful individuals I have ever come to know. I say that of course, knowing that if you knew Mark at all, there was a bit of a veneer to cut through first to get to that warmth and kindness! I will also sheepishly say that I was completely intimidated by Mark's stoic presence at first, in the studio environment. It only took one or two desk crits, however, for me to understand that underneath that formal presence, was a man who cared very, very deeply about his students, the architecture program, and the College of Design. At the end of my first year in grad school, I was informed that Mark would again be my studio professor, for a second semester in a row. As much as I loved Mark, I felt like I needed to branch out more at that time and I dreaded the thought of going to him to express my opinion about this. To my great surprise, Mark not only completely understood my dilemma, but suggested that In lieu of studying under him again for another semester, he would help to arrange for me to attend a semester at the Boston Architectural Center, a city in which he had many connections and a satellite office/practice. That was a major turning point for me in my education and life, and I will forever be grateful to that wonderful man who cared so much about me as a student and later, as a trusted friend.

We had worked together for 32 years and shared some beautiful and fun memories. Especially, the unforgettable Beijing trip with colleagues who worked as a team on an NSF grant supported project in 2001, and the trip on celebrating Lanzhou Jiaotong University's 50 anniversary in 2008 that led the establishment of the architecture dual-degree program with the School of Architecture & Urban Planning at LZJTU.

I found Mark to be a familiar presence, similar to the Germans in my family who are not very jolly. He was rather formal and serious, a bit gruff at times but with reassuring and impeccable manners. At some point I had a meeting in his office with him and as I was about to leave, he asked how my family was doing — something people don't usually ask us single people, as if we live in a world without close personal connections. When I told him not well and perhaps overshared about my father's dementia, he gestured to me to sit back down, and we had a longer conversation in which he shared some thoughts on the nature of being an adult with elderly parents. His words are ones I have come back to many times since. When I think of Mark, I will always remember his humanity, compassion and kindness on that day.

I remember going to the Barbican Apartments in Des Moines to bring Mark some documents involving the Rome program which he needed to sign right away. I thought, "What a cool building he lives in." Only much later did I learn that he not only lived there, but he designed the place. Mark had a dry wit that often revealed his broad learning. Once, when there was some administrative snafu and none of us faculty who were involved could figure out what caused the problem or how to fix it, he said, "I suppose a Cloud of Unknowing has descended on all of us." I wonder how many people realized that the Cloud of Unknowing was a phrase used by medieval mystics to describe our ignorance of the true nature of the material and spiritual world.

Mark Engelbrecht was one of my favorite architecture professors. I respected him because he was an actual practicing architect, he was always warm and sincere, and he clearly took great interest in his students growth. I enjoyed being in his design studio.

Mark joined our cohort in Rome after finishing his tenure as Dean. He took us to Sicily, toured us around Rome, and participated in our drawing assignments. After returning to the United States, I worked with him as he supervised our installation of the annual Rome exhibition. He took the time to get to know me, encouraged my ideas, and gave me the confidence to lead my way.

Mark gave me my first chance at real leadership. It was an amazing experience for a young guy to sit with the chairs and the deans and help shape the future of the college. I was never just a staff member to him! I will truly miss him.