Jon Williams (BLA ’96), CEO and President of W&A Engineering, was recently appointed to the Georgia Board of Landscape Architects by Governor Brian Kemp. According to the press release, the Board is authorized to “adopt rules, set standards for licensure, adopt mandatory standards of professional conduct, and investigate and discipline unauthorized, negligent or incompetent practice.” In addition, the Board also licenses landscape architects, after applicants complete their education and pass a national and state exam.
Archive for the ‘Alumni + Giving’ Category
Chris Hite Appointed to ASLA Council of Fellows
The UGA College of Environment + Design is honored to announce that Christina Hite, UGA CED Alumna and chair of the Dean’s Advisory Council, has been elevated to the American Society of Landscape Architects’ 2021 Council of Fellows. The Fellowship is among the highest honors that the ASLA bestows upon its members, and it is used to recognize outstanding commitment to the profession of landscape architecture. Nominated by the Florida Chapter ASLA, Hite was recognized for excellence in Leadership and Management and was one of only 35 professionals nationwide to be named a Fellow this year.
Kona Gray to be CED 2021 Commencement Speaker
Kona Gray (BLA ’97) will deliver the spring Commencement address at the College of Environment and Design at the University of Georgia. After graduating from the CED with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, Gray has worked in over thirty countries over the past 26 years and is currently a Principal at EDSA in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Gray serves as President of the Landscape Architecture Foundation and Vice President for Professional Practice of the American Society of Landscape Architects, and is also, an active member of the Urban Land Institute.
Alumnus leaves historic gift to the CED
When Jim Lambert, a graduate of the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Georgia’s College of Environment and Design (CED), passed away in 2011, he left money in a family trust to be given to his alma mater. Jim’s wife, Paula, made good on his wishes earlier this year: pledging a planned gift from the trust that will create a $5 million endowment supporting international travel for CED’s landscape architecture students. Once realized, the gift will be the largest in CED’s history.
CED Alum Leigh Elkins awarded Walter Barnard Hill Award
Congratulations to CED Alumna Leigh Askew Elkins for receiving the prestigious UGA Walter Barnard Hill Award for her achievements in public service and outreach
The Williams Family Plaza Charrette
Behind the Jackson Street Building is a small plaza with a lot of potential. Jon Williams (BLA ’96) saw the opportunity to give back to CED with a donation in his family’s name as well as a learning opportunity for current landscape architecture students. Professor Doug Pardue led a hybrid design charrette to re-image the space as a “working yard” that would support student learning, create a welcoming event space, showcase landscape architecture and best design practices, and provide a smooth thoroughfare for those passing through.
Support pours in for Founders Memorial Garden
On March 15, 2021, CED announced a Georgia Funder campaign to support the rejuvenation of the Serpentine Garden – one of the most iconic spaces within the Founders Memorial Garden. Thanks to the generosity of CED friends and alumni, the initial goal of $5,000 was surpassed in less than 6 hours! To build on this outpouring of support and to further the restoration of other areas of the garden, CED has set a new goal of $17,500. With additional donations, the Camellia Walk Arbor, the Boxwood Parterre Garden, the North Arboretum Azaleas, and other areas could get the care they need.
CED Alumni Lead Through Global Pandemic
Two CED alumni are featured in the latest issue of Georgia Magazine.
Landscape Architecture Foundation Medal
Karen A. Phillips, FASLA was awarded this year’s 2021 Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Medal, recognizing an expansive career in community development, public service, environmental design, urban planning, real estate, and revitalization.
Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Furmanski, founder of Studio Hai
Furmanski credits his time at the College of Environment + Design for providing a solid foundation in the many facets of landscape architecture to enter the profession with confidence.
CED Alumnus leaves $1M to support travel, study away
Bruce Gregory, a graduate of the University of Georgia College of Environment and Design, donated $1 million to his alma mater through a bequest that will help students study away.
CED Alumni Blossom at Smithsonian Gardens
CED alumni Marisa Scalera (MLA ’02) and Lauren Brandes (MLA ’03) are using their expertise in landscape architecture to shape the experience of millions at the Smithsonian Gardens!
In Memoriam: Neal Weatherly
The CED community is deeply saddened by the recent passing of Neal Weatherly, BLA 1962 and MLA 1970.
CED Students Publish New Issue of Georgia Landscape Magazine
The latest edition of Georgia Landscape Magazine is here! Written, curated, and produced entirely by CED students, this annual publication showcases fresh perspectives on landscape architecture.
New certificate establishes construction management at UGA
The UGA College of Environment and Design, College of Engineering and Terry College of Business unite to bring new interdisciplinary certificate program to UGA.
Featured Lecture: Higher Ground – Designing with Nature Towards a Resilient Future
Join us in welcoming ASLA National President and CED alum Kona Gray (BLA ’97) back for “Higher Ground – Designing with Nature Towards a Resilient Future.”
Alumni Spotlight: Russ Seamon, BLA ’03
Russ Seamon, BLA ’03, is the president of SeamonWhiteside, a civil engineering and landscape architecture firm based in the Carolinas. Seamon has worked for the firm for over 21 years, […]
MHP Alum Bridges Business Background with Historic Preservation
With a background in finance and public policy, Rose Mayo, MHP ‘20, builds relationships between stakeholders as Outreach Coordinator at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. For someone with a […]
CED Alumni Recognized Among the 2023 Bulldog 100
Bulldog 100 celebrates the top 100 fastest-growing organizations owned or operated by UGA alumni. This year, five College of Environment and Design alumni have had their businesses recognized for their achievements.
CED alumni spotlight: Grace Wooten (BLA ’16)
As a student in the landscape architecture program, Grace Wooten discovered a passion for helping communities design meaningful spaces.
CED Alumni Spotlight: Randolph Marshall (BLA ’71)
As a child, Randolph Marshall always knew he wanted to become a landscape architect. Inspired by the architectural drawings of his father, Marshall dreamed of one day pursuing his passion professionally…
Founders Memorial Garden Receives Generous Donation
The University of Georgia Founders Memorial Garden has received two Italian marble statues through a generous donation from Nina Sledge Burke, the great-granddaughter of the first president of the Ladies Garden Club of Athens, which was established in 1891 as America’s first garden club.
Kristie Person: CED Alum Finding Her Place in History
As the daughter of an Air Force family, packing up boxes and moving to new states and cities was routine for CED alum Kristie Person. Big moves sometimes came with challenges for Person, but she quickly discovered that moving could also be a time to discover hidden treasures in the new towns she called home…
Garden Club Raises Funds for Landscape Architecture Students
The Peachtree Garden Club has provided numerous opportunities for landscape architecture students through the Neel Reid Scholarship. Over the past 60 years, the Neel Reid Scholarship has surpassed $800,000 in funds and has provided opportunities for over 200 students. Today, the scholarship is considered one of the CED’s more competitive and prestigious awards.
CED Hosts Annual Landscape Architecture Short Course
The College of Environment and Design hosted the annual Landscape Architecture Short Course at the Classic Center in Athens, Georgia on February 1-2, 2023. The short course had over 100 virtual and in-person attendees with 12 corporate sponsors. Educational sessions covered a wide range of topics, such as ecoregional green roofs, supply chain disruptions, and preserving historic sites.
CED Alumni Spotlight: Daniel Kletzing (BLA ’15)
Daniel Kletzing is currently a lecturer at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo. He has worked in a variety of roles across the country, all while maintaining his dedication to use his skills for the greater good. Daniel generously shared with us how CED professors impact his pedagogy, the moment he knew he wanted to be an educator, his current work with Indigenous communities, and what keeps him inspired through it all!
CED Alum Participates in Capitol Christmas Tree Project
CED alum, Kelly Holdbrooks (MLA ’12), strives to preserve threatened species in the Appalachian region where this year’s Capitol Christmas Tree was harvested.
Former Dean Supports Students at the College of Environment and Design With Substantial Donation
Former dean Bob Nicholls provides funding support for CED students through a generous donation.
CED MLA Alumna Designs Park Inspired by Hart County History
UGAToday recently covered the Railroad Street Park project in Hart County which was designed by Elizabeth Crimmins (MLA ’22).
Dean’s Advisory Council Members Receive Honors from ASLA and UGA
Dean’s Advisory Council members Bob Hughes (BLA ’77) and Ed Castro (BLA ’88) received high honors from ASLA and UGA this June.
CED Alum Spotlight: English Hinton, MHP ’20
CED alum English Hinton (MHP ’20) improves daily life for Georgia families through caring renovation and accessibility modification.
Kimley-Horn Charrette Design Competition
In January of this year, over 70 CED participated in a design charrette sponsored by Ian Firth (Professor Emeritus), Kimley-Horn, Belgard, Forms+Surfaces, and Select Trees.
Alumni Spotlight: Mario Cambardella Establishes Servescape, An Online Plant Nursery and Design Studio Serving the Atlanta and Athens Areas
When Mario Cambardella (BLA ’06, MEPD ’11, MLA ’13) was operating his small design build firm back in 2012, he wished there was a way to easily order locally grown plant material for on-site delivery. It was then that he came up with the initial concept for ServeScape – an online marketplace for plants sourced directly from local farmers and wholesalers.
Five CED Alumni Recognized Among the 2022 Bulldog 100
Once again, CED graduates were among the “Bulldog 100.” Bulldog 100 celebrates the top 100 fastest-growing organizations owned or operated by UGA alumni.
CED Alumni awarded ASLA Honor Award
Matt Whitaker (MLA ’01) and Thomas Brown (BLA ’10) of WMWA Landscape Architects have been awarded the ASLA Honor Award for their work on the Market + Georgia Public Place project. The project, located around the historic Patten Towers in downtown Chattanooga, was the result of a collaboration between WMWA and local artist Genesis the Greykid. Through an approach that “elevated the role of engagement as the primary design method”, the team was able to implement a project that is reflective of the needs of Chattanooga’s traditionally underserved residents.
CED Homecoming Tailgate: register now to reserve your spot
100 Alumni, students, faculty, and friends are coming so far — please RSVP today! HTTP://t.uga.edu/7p6 Saturday, October 16, 2021, 3 hours before kick off Founders Memorial Garden, Athens, Georgia Questions? Please email [email protected]
