The Landscape Architecture Program, which is ramping up to celebrate its 100^th anniversary in 2009, celebrated student achievement this week at its 2008 Scholarship Luncheon.

"Our Landscape Architecture program has earned a national reputation because of the work of its students and faculty," said Rosina M. Bierbaum, dean of the School of Natural Resources and Environment, which is home to the Landscape Architecture Program. "More importantly, the program's presence helps differentiate our school nationally. It's an honor to recognize these students and their faculty mentors for continuing the program's legacy of excellence."

"This year's class of recipients is truly outstanding," said Chris Ellis, program chair for the Landscape Architecture Program. "I join my fellow faculty colleagues in honoring them and their work and for sustaining the Michigan tradition of excellence."

The event was Monday, March 10, at the Michigan League. Guests included former program chair Chuck Cares, director emeritus of the Botanical Gardens & Arboretum and an emeritus professor in Landscape Architecture, who received a special recognition for his contributions to the program and its students over the years; John Strauch, father of the late Paul L. Strauch, a 1994 LA graduate for whom the "Spirit of the Studio" Award is named; and Randall Sharp, a landscape architect with Sharp & Diamond LLC, who later in the day delivered the Whittemore lecture as part of the Winter 2008 Dean's Speaker Series.

In addition to Professor Ellis, other Landscape Architecture faculty on hand to distribute awards and thank students included MaryCarol Hunter, Joan Nassauer and Beth Diamond. In addition, Bob Grese bestowed former LA Chair Cares with his award. In addition, several current instructors, who are also professional practitioners, were present to help honor the award winners. Those instructors were:

• Susan Bryan, who teaches a course in graphics and helped students produce the latest online edition of Michiganscapes.
• Andrea Goldner, who taught graphics and the landscape ecology studio.
• Chet Hill (MLA '89), who taught site engineering and a site planning studio. A principal at Johnson Hill Land Ethics Studio, he has been helping the program for many years.

The awards and this year's honorees were:

Paul L. Strauch "Spirit of the Studio" Award
Established in 2004 by the friends and family of Paul Strauch; the award is given to the second year Masters in Landscape Architecture student who embodies the upbeat and generous "Spirit of the Studio". The recipient is chosen by the students in the 2^nd year MLA class. Paul Strauch was the spirit of the studio environment of the Landscape Architecture class of 1994. He would always go the extra step for someone else, whether that was freely giving his help or advice in the studio or outside the school. He was always upbeat and non-judgmental, unselfishly giving others an opportunity when he could easily have taken it on himself. He contributed to the studio and to life on multiple levels. When things got tense in the studio as we all tried to meet another deadline, Paul would be the relief valve by cracking a joke and putting the situation in perspective. He was a constant reminder that life is for the living. Whether participating outdoors or indoors, pulling an "all-nighter," watching a ball game, or relaxing, his attitude was always "just don't take yourself too seriously." Recipient: M'Lis Bartlett

Fred and Helen Arbuckle Scholarship in Landscape
This scholarship was established in 2005 by Fred and Helen Arbuckle. Fred, a 1978 MLA alum, established this scholarship in appreciation of the education he received at SNRE, and the start his UM degree gave to his career. Recipient: Jingyuan Wang

Alice and Jess Bourquin Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of the memory of Alice and Jessie Bourquin, who loved travel and were among the first female landscape architecture practitioners. This fund is awarded to the student who proposes the most innovative and creative research or project for summer travel and best exemplifies the spirit of the Bourquin sisters as pioneers in the field. Recipient: Susan Elizabeth Westbrook

Terry J. and Janice A. Brown Scholarship in Landscape Architecture
Established in May 2006 by the friends, colleagues and former students of Professor Terry J. Brown in honor of service to the School, our students and his contributions to the field of landscape architecture. This award will be given to entering landscape architecture students, with preference given to those with an undergraduate degree from the University of Wisconsin and also for students presenting at a national landscape architecture conference. Recipients: Tao Zhang and Zhifang Wang

William and Mabel Jackson Fellowship
Established in 1997 by Pat Jackson and Carol Sullivan in honor of Pat's parents, William and Mabel Jackson. Funds are used in support of landscape architecture students, projects and travel. Recipient: Jeannine Bessette

William J. Johnson Prize
Established in 1989, funds are awarded to a student who proposes an innovative and exciting activity that captures the essence of Johnson's design philosophy. Recipient: M'Lis Bartlett

Landscape Architecture Alumni Award
Established in 1967 by alumni and friends of Landscape Architecture, this award recognizes the student(s) with the greatest potential for original and imaginative work. Recipient: Danielle Jean Kahn

Landscape Architecture Faculty Award
Established in 1967 by the faculty of Landscape Architecture, this award is presented to the student demonstrating the greatest potential to perform comprehensive professional work. The award is symbolic of dedication to high standards of quality and service. Recipient: Susan Mattke-Robinson

Russel A. Pelton Prize
Established in 1976 by friends of Russel Pelton, this award is presented to the continuing student demonstrating the most outstanding knowledge, interest and sensitivity to plants and their use in landscape design. Recipient: Cara Maureen Kappler

Kenneth and Shirley Polakowski Landscape Architecture Fellowship
Established in 1996, this award is presented to students who received a bachelor's degree from Michigan State University or to students excelling in the field of landscape architecture. Recipient: Amy Catherine Hiipakka

Barbara Rotvig Memorial Award
Established in memory of Barbara Rotvig, this award assists a continuing landscape architecture student who shows great promise for creative work. Recipient: Jenna Arlene Jones

Ray Marshall Rowe Memorial Award
Established in 1971 by students, alumni and faculty of the Landscape Architecture program to recognize the student who shows the most promise in graphic presentation. Recipient: Yasuhiro Ishihara

Olive V. Scholz-Brock Fellowship
Established by Olive V. Scholz-Brock, a1968 BLA alumnae, this award is primarily for either entering or continuing female landscape architecture students. Recipient: Andrea Parker

Anthony and Johanna van Sweden Landscape Architecture
Established in 2002 by James A. van Sweden in honor of his parents, Anthony and Johanna van Sweden, to provide support to landscape architecture students. Recipient: Oliver Daniel Kiley

Michiganscapes Award Recipients
For their efforts in creating the alumni e-newsletter. Recipients: Brit Zimmerman (Committee head), Danielle Kahn, Brian Laskowski, Lindsey Miller, Elizabeth Westbrook, Angela Lee, Amy Beltemacchi

The program gladly welcomed back to campus many alumni, including:

• Merri Carlock (MLA '83), a landscape architect and park planner for Southfield, Mich.
• Susan Dieterlen (MLA '04), a PhD candidate in Landscape Architecture.
• Wendy Fry (MLA '86), a landscape architect with Mannik & Smith Group, Inc.
• Bonnie Ion (MLA '03), president of the Ann Arbor Garden Club.
• Stephen Kunselman (MLA '90), an energy conservation liaison for the Energy Management Section of the University of Michigan's Plant Operations
• Dino Lekas (MLA '87), a landscape architect with JJR.
• Karen Gallagher Marzonie (MLA'87), a landscape manager for the Henry Ford Estate on UM-Dearborn campus.
• William Newcomb, Jr. (MLA '65), chief executive officer for consulting firm William Newcomb & Associates.
• Joel Perkovich (MLA '07), the 2005 recipient of the Strauch Award.
• Kenn Rapp (MLA '87), a landscape architect and grounds manager for University of Michigan Plant Operations.
• Sarah Weiss (MLA '95), a project manager at the UM Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.
• Don Wortman (MLA '78), a vice president of Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc., and a Landscape Architecture instructor.