January 13, 2009
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tracee de Hahn
Cal Poly College of Architecture and Environmental Design
805-756-7114; tdehahn@calpoly.edu
Speidel Named to George Hasslein Endowed Chair for Interdisciplinary Studies at Cal Poly
SAN LUIS OBISPO – Cal Poly’s College of Architecture and Environmental Design named Elbert O. Speidel, AIA, to the George Hasslein Endowed Chair for Interdisciplinary Studies in Environmental Design.
Speidel is a licensed architect with more than 40 years of experience in architecture, construction, and applied research and development in the classroom. 
He holds a patent for the Poly-Pod, a prefabricated polymer housing unit, has worked in the United States and Europe on the development of polymers for the construction industry, and consulted on polymers developed for the World’s Fair in Osaka, Japan.
A 1967 graduate of Cal Poly’s architecture program, Speidel has served in an advisory capacity for CAED students while practicing as an architect and running a case goods and millwork business in San Luis Obispo.
The endowed chair was created to honor the college’s founding Dean, George Hasslein, FAIA, and continue his vision of student-focused education. The post brings preeminent practitioners and scholars to the classroom to enrich and inspire the interdisciplinary environment. The endowment, administered by the college in consultation with the CAED Foundation Board, supports the selection of one primary annual scholar with provisions for additional associate scholars.
Editorial Note: Photos of Albert Speidel and the PolyPod are available upon request. Please contact: polynews@calpoly.edu.
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