School of Planning, Design and Construction

Dear MSU Landscape Architecture Alumni and Friends,

It is an honor to share the latest updates from the Michigan State University Landscape Architecture Alumni Advisory Board (LAAAB). As we reflect on a productive fall season and look toward a busy 2026, I am consistently inspired by the dedication our alumni show toward the program and the next generation of landscape architectural professionals.

Welcome to the Board

First, please join me in extending a warm welcome to our newest board member, Chris Mueller. Chris brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to our leadership team, and we are thrilled to have him join our efforts in supporting the MSU LA community.

Fall Meeting Highlights

Our recent fall meeting was defined by a powerful Public Land Panel Discussion facilitated by Board Member Alex Fenech. We were privileged to hear from a distinguished group of experts who provided invaluable insights into the stewardship of our shared environments:

• Dan Wenk – Retired, National Park Service
• Dan Lord – Division Chief, Finance and Operations Division (MDNR)
• Mark Hershberger, PLA – Founder, Hershberger Design

The depth of knowledge shared during this session reminded us all of the profound impact and responsibility landscape architects have on the public realm.

The board also participated in a visioning session to set priorities and board framework for the next year. Our Results included:

1. Foster stronger connection between board and faculty. 
2. Endow a specialist chair. 
3. Improve onboarding experience for new board members. 
4. More opportunities to share professional experience with students.
5. Align board activities with student realities.

Alumni Excellence

We also took time to celebrate the remarkable achievements of our peers. Dan Wenk - Retired, National Park Service - was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus, a testament to his storied career and as Ken Burns so appropriately described “America’s Best Idea”. Additionally, longtime LAAAB member Bob Chipman received the CANR Alumni Service Award for his tireless support of the LA Program. Both individuals embody the spirit of service and excellence that defines MSU Landscape Architecture.

Student Support & Professional Development

Our commitment to current students remains a top priority. Recently, board members and alumni across the country participated in an online portfolio review, providing critical feedback to students as they prepared for the annual career fair. The career fair was followed up with a mixer at Barrio where professionals and students had a great time connecting in a relaxed setting. The integration of firm project partnerships continues to grow through direct collaboration between firms and the classroom experience. This direct mentorship is vital in helping Spartans transition from the classroom to the professional world.

Committee Updates: Driving Efficiency

Our board committees have been working diligently to streamline our operations and maximize our impact on the program:

• Events Committee: In February – the Event Committee held a mixer following the Career Fair at Barrio in downtown East Lansing. This was the 2nd year of the event and over 40 students and professionals attended. The event was co-sponsored by OHM, VIRIDIS Design Group, and Bill Wenk.
• Currently, the Event Committee is deep in the planning stages for our Fall 2026 event. Given all of the activity around the Michigan ASLA Annual Conference in East Lansing the first week of October and adjacent to our Board meeting, we will be pivoting from the typical Distinguished Speaker Series event. This year we will be creating a unique Board/Student workshop on Friday October 9th to give the students access to a variety of professionals and topics. The agenda, format, and details are still in the works.
• Communications/Connections: Focused on keeping our network and alumni informed through our regular newsletters. Supporting stronger alumni engagement. 
• Student Support: Recent efforts have been focused on strengthening collaboration between alumni, board, and faculty ultimately providing support through professional engagement.
• Governance: Refining onboarding practices for new board members, evaluating board performance, and aligning new candidates for board positions.
• Finance: Ensuring fiscal responsibility and developing new fundraising initiatives to secure the future of our program support.

The strength of our program lies in its people. Whether through mentoring a student, attending an event, or learning how you can participate, your involvement makes a difference. I encourage you to reach out if you have interest in developing a deeper connection with the MSU Landscape Architecture program. Any of our Board members would be happy to discuss what we do and help you find an opportunity for engagement that suits you best. We are always excited to discuss opportunities to increase alumni participation. Thank you for your continued support.

Go Green!

Tim Britain, PLA 

President, MSU Landscape Architecture Alumni Advisory Board