6/1/01

Janet L. McCoy

SCHOLARSHIP ESTABLISHED FOR LATE AU ARCHITECTURE PROFESSOR

AUBURN -- A memorial scholarship has been established at Auburn University for architecture associate professor Franklin Setzer, who died May 23 of an apparent heart attack. He was 52.

Funeral services were May 29 at St. Mary's On The Highlands Episcopal Church in Birmingham.

Setzer, who joined the AU faculty in1990, directed Auburn's Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham, an extension of the School of Architecture.

The Franklin Setzer Memorial Scholarship Fund was established in AU's College of Architecture, Design and Construction and donations may be made to the AU Foundation in Setzer's memory.

A teacher, architect and planner, Setzer had a significant impact on the quality of life in Birmingham and Alabama through his work with AU architecture students, said Behzad Nakhjavan, professor of architecture and interim head of AU's School of Architecture.

"He introduced students to all sorts of architectural issues that deals with cities and urbanisn," Nakhjavan said. "Frank not only taught students about urban architecture, but was massively involved in the community of Birmingham. He was a very knowledgeable person, very serious and a kind, caring person.

For the past 10 years, AU architecture students have been required to spend one semester at the Urban Studio.

Setzer was a board member of the Housing Authority of the Birmingham District and a founding member of The Tuesday Group, YourTown Alabama and Birmingham Affordable Rental Communities. He also worked with several non-profit and volunteer organizations.

Setzer received a bachelor's degree in architecture from the University of Florida and a master's degree in urban design architecture from Rice University. In addition, Setzer was a veteran of the Army where he achieved the rank of captain.

He is survived by his son, Christian Setzer and two stepchildren.

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