Nanette R. LaCross and William D. Drake Prizes
Only undergraduate and graduate students enrolled at the University of Michigan are eligible. Only students in SNRE or PITE may apply.
These Prizes are intended to recognize and honor past, current or proposed work by students in SNRE or PitE who link their studies with the Matthaei Botanical Gardens & Nichols Arboretum in some way. Examples include regular volunteering, proposing or working on special projects, conducting research or artistic endeavors related to the properties, or participating as student employees at the MBGNA in a way that leads to meaningful growth and development. Nominations can be made by fellow students, staff or faculty, or students can apply themselves. For students proposing a new project relevant to MBGNA, examples might include botanical, zoological, or ecological studies; environmental stewardship projects; green technologies and design related to the built environment; gardening with children, and local food production.
The LaCross Prize honors the student who best exemplifies the spirit of Nanette LaCross who as a lawyer worked tirelessly for women’s rights, animal welfare, and many other environmental concerns.
The Drake Prize honors the student who best exemplifies the spirit of William Drake who as a professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment was dedicated to a variety of environmental concerns at both global and local scales.
To apply for these prizes you must submit a 1-2 page statement describing past affiliation or proposing some new activity, describing how it has or will contribute to your personal and career goals. Also include a copy of your resume with names of at least three references.
To nominate someone, please submit a short one paragraph statement about the person you’d like to nominate and their connection to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum. We will then ask the student nominated to submit a short application.
For students proposing a new project relevant to MBGNA, examples might include botanical, zoological, or ecological studies; environmental
stewardship projects; green technologies and design related to the built environment; gardening with children, and local food production.