School of Planning, Design and Construction

The Landscape Architecture Alumni Advisory Board (LAAAB) serves a vital role in the success of MSU's Landscape Architecture (LA) program in the School of Planning, Design and Construction (SPDC). The LAAAB is comprised of proud LA alumni who generously dedicate time and effort toward fostering community amongst LA Spartans. The Board strives to support the values, goals and mission of SPDC and the LA program, as well as advance the knowledge and growth of the landscape architecture profession.

As a part of these efforts to build connection, enhance opportunity, and promote professional development the LAAAB hosts an annual Distinguished Speaker Series open to students, professionals, and interested members of the public. The Series gives students professional insight into real-world practices and concerns of the industry and helps professionals stay current on industry topics and trends.

The Series typically runs once a year in the Fall Semester. To learn about the next installment of the LAAAB Distinguished Speaker Series and to stay up to date on, and connected with, the Landscape Architecture program at SPDC, be sure to follow us on social media: SPDC Facebook, LA Facebook, SPDC LinkedIn, SPDC Instagram.

PAST SPEAKERS

Balancing Preservation with Access and Public Use

October 2, 2025  |  6:00PM-8:00PM

Mark Hershberger, PLA, Founder, Hershberger Design
Dan Wenk, PLA, National Park Service
Dan Lord, PLA, Chief of Finance and Operations, Michigan Department of Natural Resources

"River for All" Grand Rapids, Michigan

September 19, 2024  |  6:00PM-8:00PM
Photo Gallery

Nicole Horst, Co-President and Principal, Wenk Associates
Trevor Bosworth, Principal, VIRDIS Design Group
SuLin Kotowicz, President, American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA)

The Detroit Waterfront: Charting a Just and Equitable Future

October 14, 2021  |  6:00PM-7:30PM

Elnora Austell, President, E. Austell Associates
Nate Trevethan, PLA, ASLA, RLA, Principal, Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates
Mark Wallace, President & CEO, Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

Social Equity in a Post-COVID-19 World: A Designer's Perspective

October 22, 2020

Alma Du Solier, Landscape Architect, and Studio Director, Hood Design Studio
Billy Fleming, Wilks Family Director, The McHarg Center, UPenn Weitzman School of Design
Kona Gray, FASLA, PLA, Principal at EDSA

Plant Passion, Roberto Burle Marx and Raymond Jungles

September 19, 2019

Raymond Jungles, FASLA, Founder, Raymond Jungles, Inc. (RJI)