Alumni Highlights

Alumni News

Jan Striefel: 2018-19 CAAS Distinguished Service Award

Jan earned a bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at Utah State University in 1978 and is the founding principal and president of Landmark Design. The first female practitioner in Utah to be named a Fellow of the American Society of Landscape Architects, she has been an ally of LAEP for many years, serving on the Advancement Board and in many other capacities. Jan and her husband, Craig Hinckley, established the largest endowments in LAEP’s history, which enable our department and students to continue to grow and excel in new ways.

Vern Budge: 2018 CAAS Alumni Hall of Honor Inductee

An alumnus of LAEP, Vern earned his bachelor’s degree in landscape architecture at Utah State University in 1965. He continued his studies at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign where he completed graduate school. Vern spent 35 years as a faculty member in the LAEP Department. His influence has had a global impact, as his students have designed spaces around the world. Vern is both a Distinguished Alumnus and emeritus faculty member of LAEP.

On the River's Edge

A team including LAEP alumni Michael Budge, David Durfee, and McKenna Drew of Loci in Salt Lake City recently won the On the River’s Edge competition, in which team members developed plans for the Jordan River Park. In addition to receiving the Jury Award, they also received the Connectivity Innovation and Economic Prosperity Innovation awards. The team was a joint-effort between Loci and Blalock & Partners, an architecture firm also located in Salt Lake City.

Make sure to let us know if you’re aware of anything that should be included in this section next year! Email Alyssa at alyssa.stastny@usu.edu.

In Memoriam

From time to time, alumni and other friends on the Department of Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning leavethis world to begin a new journey. Although we miss having them here, this time is a chance to remember their lives andimpact. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of these alumni who have passed recently.

Walter S. Grubic, B.S. 1961

After completing his BLA, Walt worked as a Land Use Planner for the U.S. Forest Service. His wife, Diane, also worked for the Forest Service. Work took them to many places in the Intermountain West, but Montana was always home to them.

John C. Willie, B.S. 1962

Throughout his career, John worked in a variety of capacities, including for government, and private entities. He enjoyed coming back to Northern Utah for vacations at Bear Lake.

Lyle B. Gomm, BLA 1966

Lyle worked for the U.S. Forest Service for over 30 years, making significant contributions. One of the most notable was his work on the Great Western Trail, a trail that travels from Canada to Mexico. He was a man of many diverse talents.

Grant Skeen, BLA 1971

For 35 years, Grant worked in surveying and engineering for Box Elder County. He was involved in his community, enjoyed spending time with family and friends, and had an optimistic outlook on life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand.

Maureen Einert, BLA 1977

Maureen worked as a Landscape Architect for the City of Boulder for over 30 years, and later as a Parks Planner. She enjoyed hiking and art very much. After retiring, she spent much of her time creating pottery pieces.

Janae D. Stephenson, BLA 1998

After earning her BLA, Janae spent four years working in the profession before becoming a stay-at-home mom. There were occasional design projects and other service opportunities, but she was grateful to be primarily a mom.