The Landscape Architecture Program, which is ramping up to celebrate its 100th anniversary this fall, celebrated student achievement this week at its 2009 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, 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 Tuesday, March 10, at the Michigan Union. Fifteen students received 19 awards. 

In addition to Professor Ellis, other Landscape Architecture faculty on hand to distribute awards and thank students included MaryCarol Hunter, Beth Diamond and Bob Grese.  In addition, several current instructors, who are also professional practitioners, were present to help honor the award winners. Those instructors 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 2nd 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: Jessica Neafsey

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: Christian Runge

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: Lani Leuthvilay

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: Nick Deyo

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: Jessica Neafsey

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: Christian Runge

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: M'lis Bartlett

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: Sara Turner

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: Allison Krueger

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: Dana Petit

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: Brian Laskowski

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: Jeannine Bessette

Michiganscapes Award Recipients

For their efforts in creating the alumni e-newsletter. Recipients: Brian Laskowski, Lindsey Miller, Elizabeth Westbrook, Angela Lee

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

Merri Carlock (MLA '83), a landscape architect and park planner for Southfield, Mich.

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.

Don Wortman (MLA '78), a vice president of Carlisle/Wortman Associates, Inc., and a Landscape Architecture instructor.

Students can pursue three degrees through the school's Landscape Architecture Program:

the PhD in Landscape Architecture

a three-year accredited master's of landscape architecture. This program is organized to teach students from a wide variety of undergraduate backgrounds and previous careers.

A two-year master's of landscape architecture. This degree is aimed toward students who already hold an accredited landscape architecture degree.

ABOUT THE SCHOOL OF NATURAL RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT The School of Natural Resources and Environment's overarching objective is to contribute to the protection of the earth's resources and the achievement of a sustainable society. Through research, teaching, and outreach, faculty, staff, and students are devoted to generating knowledge and developing policies, techniques and skills to help practitioners manage and conserve natural and environmental resources to meet the full range of human needs on a sustainable basis.

CONTACT: Kevin Merrill

Director of Communications

O: 734.936.2447

merrillk@umich.edu