Posted on May 10, 2024 by Katrina Kehoe
William Dupont, retiring director of the UTSA Center for Cultural Susainability
Since its inception in 2011, the Center for Cultural Sustainability (CCS) at UTSA has been a beacon of innovation, collaboration, and advocacy, guided by the visionary leadership of Prof. William Dupont. Over the years, the CCS has grown from a seed of an idea into a thriving hub of research and action, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of cultural preservation.
From the outset, the CCS was driven by a singular mission: to ensure the continuity of cultural systems as manifested in the built environment. Under Prof. Dupont's guidance, this center became a platform for dozens of UTSA faculty members, engaging private industry professionals and visiting researchers in a collaborative effort to safeguard our shared heritage.
As the years passed, the CCS's impact grew exponentially, fueled by a relentless dedication to excellence and a commitment to addressing the most pressing challenges facing cultural preservation. Through sponsored projects valued at $3.9 million, the leadership embarked on groundbreaking research initiatives, tackling issues ranging from heritage vulnerability and resilience to the preservation of historic buildings and properties.
One of the most notable achievements was its research on the resilience of historic houses of worship, which not only addressed technical enhancements for survivability but also fostered public discussion and developed tools for non-technical audiences. This study, conducted in 2022 in the Texas Gulf Coast region, exemplified the CCS's commitment to making a tangible difference in communities around the world.
From the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to Mesa Verde National Park, the CCS's reach extends far beyond the borders of Texas, providing technical support and expertise to conservation efforts at UNESCO World Heritage sites. Its international projects in Turkmenistan and Cuba underscore the CCS's global impact, while its efforts to document and support marginalized communities demonstrates a commitment to inclusivity and social justice.
As the CCS celebrates over a decade of growth and achievement, its legacy is evident in the countless lives it has touched and the invaluable contributions it has made to the field of cultural sustainability. Under Prof. Dupont's leadership, the CCS has not only enhanced the educational programs of the UTSA School of Architecture + Planning but has also gained national attention for its pioneering efforts in heritage resilience.
As Prof. Dupont prepares to pass the torch to a new generation of leaders, his legacy will endure, serving as a reminder of the power of collaboration, innovation, and perseverance in the pursuit of a more sustainable and equitable world. And as we look to the future, our commitment to preserving our cultural heritage for generations to come remains as strong as ever.
— Katrina Kehoe
