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Class Notes

Beatriz Cañas (MS ‘15) has been honored as one of this year’s North American Association for Environmental Education Top 30 under 30
Beatriz Cañas (MS ‘15) North American Association for Environmental Education Top 30 under 30

Beatriz Cañas (MS ‘15) has been honored as one of this year’s North American Association for Environmental Education Top 30 under 30, which recognizes 90 individuals from around the world who are making a difference through environmental education. Cañas is the program manager for the Science Career Continuum at the Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Association of Public Land-Grant Universities recognized Rebekah VanWieren (MLA ‘09) with the Western Region Award for Excellence in Teaching for her passionate efforts in teaching the next generation of landscape architects. VanWieren is an assistant professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and Plant Pathology in Montana State University’s College of Agriculture.

Michelle Martinez (MS ‘08), coordinator of the Michigan Environmental Justice Coalition and the executive director of Third Horizon Consulting, received the Sustainable Community Champion Award from Detroit-based nonprofit EcoWorks. The award recognizes individuals and organizations in Southeast Michigan who demonstrate exemplary leadership in energy efficiency, sustainable building practices, and community development.

Paul Coseo (MLA ‘04), assistant professor and sustainability scientist at Arizona State University’s The Design School, has been named Educator of the Year by the Arizona Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. The award recognizes an educator dedicated to promoting art and design’s ability to advance environmental stewardship.

Two MLA alumni recently became fellows of the American Society of Landscape Architects: Robert Gibbs (MLA ‘84) was recognized for broadening the understanding and respect for landscape architects by the public, real estate industry, and related professionals; and Lisa Delplace (MLA ‘98) was recognized for a career that spans four decades that furthers the connection between people and nature.

Sadik C. Artunç (MLA ‘79) was named president-elect of the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture. Artunç currently serves as the department head of landscape architecture at Mississippi State University.

Thomas L. Mroz (MLA ’86) was named president-elect of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Mroz is a senior vice president with the integrated design firm SmithGroup in Ann Arbor.