Two days after the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Sweatt v. Painter, which integrated American higher education, John Chase enrolled at the University of Texas School of Architecture in 1950. The library within this school will now be named the John S. Chase Architecture and Planning Library, following a donation from his son Tony Chase and daughter-in-law Dina Al-Sowayel.
John Chase was a trailblazer as the first Black graduate of UT's School of Architecture, the first licensed Black architect in the South, and he held positions such as a member of the U.S. Commission of Fine Arts and president of Texas Exes.
UT President Jay Hartzell remarked on Chase’s legacy: “John Chase was an exceptional UT student and graduate who paved the way for progress and change as one of the University’s first Black students.”
Chase received several honors throughout his life, including the Distinguished Alumnus Award from Texas Exes in 1992. He married Drucie Rucker while at UT, with their marriage lasting 60 years until his death in 2012.
Tony Chase and Al-Sowayel have committed $5 million to support UT's School of Architecture and its library. This includes a previous $1 million pledge that established two endowments within the school. The library occupies most of Battle Hall, designed by Cass Gilbert in 1911.
The Architecture and Planning Library is known for its extensive collections supporting research in architecture, art history, design, and planning.
Chase was actively involved with UT beyond his student years, serving on various boards while running an architectural practice with offices across major cities like Houston and Washington D.C., co-founding the National Organization of Minority Architects along the way.
He designed many buildings including churches and community centers primarily for Black communities. His notable projects include works at Texas Southern University where he taught as well as prominent structures like Houston's George R. Brown Convention Center.
Lorraine Haricombe from UT Libraries stated: “This is a monumental moment for the Libraries and the University.”
Tony Chase expressed hope that his father's story would inspire future generations: “Our hope is that having my father’s name...affixed to this library will inspire future generations."
Tony Chase leads ChaseSource LP while also holding board positions at several corporations; Al-Sowayel has been involved academically at UH where her husband teaches law emeritus; Saundria Chase Gray serves on UT Libraries Advisory Council.