National Collegiate Landscape Competition wrap-up

The National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation presented scholarships totaling $69,100 to 53 students, during the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, held March 16–19, at Mississippi State University.

Many of the donors, or Foundation Ambassadors as they are called, who fund the scholarships, were on hand to present them in person. Each scholarship recipient is hand-selected by the judges from donor criteria after careful review.

In addition to the named Ambassador scholarships, the Foundation also awards a President’s Scholarship, in the amount of $3,000, which was given to Ben Harcey from Michigan State University. The President’s Scholarship is selected by the Foundation judging panel, which looks for a student who excels in academics, industry-related activities, and community service.

To date the Foundation has awarded $1 million in scholarship money, $91,100 in awards and scholarships in 2016. A list of the recipients of the Foundation scholarships and awards can be found on the Foundation website.

“The Foundation continues to build the future of the landscape workforce through our schools,” said Miles Kuperus, Landscape Industry Certified, Foundation president. “We continue to attract the best and brightest within the industry to help build the program and inspire these students and develop these great minds.”

 

Rudy Larsen of Lawn Butler in Utah receives NALP Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award

Rudy Larsen, owner and CEO of Lawn Butler located in Utah, is the recipient of the Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

Larsen graduated from high school in 2006 and began Lawn Butler in 2007. Since then he has built a portfolio of seven company’s with160 full time employees and annual revenues exceeding $8 million. With the exception of Rubicon, Rudy owns all the companies, operates as the CEO.

The award was presented March 17, 2017, during the National Collegiate Landscape Competition at Mississippi State University. During his acceptance speech, Larsen said that his recipe for success is positivity, grit and vision.

The Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award recognizes an entrepreneur age 40 or under who as demonstrated spirit and initiative, and serves as an example to students pursuing a landscape industry career. Nominations for the 2017 Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award will be accepted beginning in May.

 

Tim Schauwecker of Mississippi State University named 2016 Outstanding Educator of the Year

The National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation announced the recipient of its Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, Dr. Tim Schauwecker, associate professor of the Department of Landscape Architecture at Mississippi State University. The award was presented March 19, at NALP’s National Collegiate Landscape Competition, hosted by Mississippi State University.

Schauwecker joined the Department of Landscape Architecture as a faculty member and coordinator of the Landscape Contracting Management program at MSU in 2005. His research focus includes studying water management and ecosystem services.

Students and colleagues of Schauwecker note that he has an active, hands-on approach to teaching that extends beyond the traditional classroom. He challenges his students to question what being a landscape professional in the 21st century means, and he inspires his students to become leaders in the industry.

“On behalf of the entire Foundation Board of directors, we congratulate Dr. Tim Schauwecker as this year’s Educator of the Year,” said Miles Kuperus, Landscape Industry Certified, Foundation president. “We celebrate these great educators and the way in which they are developing the future our industry.”

The Outstanding Educator of the Year Award, developed by the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation, recognizes professors who have made significant contributions to landscape industry education.

 

Michigan State University Wins the National Collegiate Landscape Competition

Michigan State University is the winner of the National Collegiate Landscape Competition, which is organized by the National Association of Landscape Professionals.

The event, held March 16-19 at Mississippi State University, included 62 teams and one FFA high school teams, who participated in 28 individual and team competitions. Tree climbing, hardscape installation, wood construction, plant identification, sales presentation, exterior/interior design, irrigation troubleshooting, skid steer, 3D exterior landscape design, personnel management, and small engine repair were just a few of the events.

Michigan State University took first place in the overall competitive events, followed by Brigham Young University – Idaho in second place, and Cuyahoga Community College in third. Michigan State University took home $5,000 from STIHL for placing first.

The individual winners were, in first place, Anna Cordiner, Colorado State University (Fort Collins, Colorado); in second place, Ben Hardy of Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan); and in third place, Matt Case of Alamance Community College (Graham, North Carolina). The top three students received scholarship money from the National Association of Landscape Professionals Foundation.

For a complete list of winners, visit the National Collegiate Landscape Competition website.

In addition to the competitive events, students met with company recruiters and secured jobs and internships, interacted with supplier companies, and got to test drive industry equipment.

The National Collegiate Landscape Competition is sponsored by STIHL Inc., at the Platinum level; JOHN DEERE at the Gold level; Caterpillar Inc., Gravely, Husqvarna, and New Holland Construction at the Silver level; and Anchor Wall Systems, Inc., Belgard, BrightView, Ewing Irrigation Landscape and Supply, The Toro Company, and Site One at the Bronze level.