UMD’s Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture Hosts Department Thanksgivin

Image credit: Sara Wiatrak for The Campus Trainer

University of Maryland’s Landscape Department kicked off their Thanksgiving break with a warm dinner on Monday, Nov. 25, with faculty and students bringing a variety of baked goods to be eaten in front of a cozy projected fireplace.

Hosted in Plant Sciences’ Critique Hall, the Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architecture (SASLA) at UMD planned the event with the intention to bring faculty and students together, network and boost the sense of community within the small program. With only roughly 100 students enrolled in the department, the group helps facilitate closer connections year round.

“[We’re] a student group and try to run events to get our program to interact with each other,” said Millie Alsopp, a senior and Newsletter Chair for SASLA. “A lot of things are usually program-based but this is more of a holiday thing, socializing and networking and meeting other people from other studios.”

Alsopp said the seven people on SASLA’s board started planning the event a few weeks ago, deciding on a baking competition theme “just to change it up,” since they typically have potlucks. Though there were no winners announced, all attendees seemed to enjoy the multiple breads and desserts. The trays of cornbread, pull-apart garlic bread and pumpkin bread were especially popular. Others brought plates such as chocolate shortbread bars and lemon meringue pie.

“We try and have a few meetings with the whole group because this is quite a small program and it’s nice to be all together, including staff and faculty,” said Alsopp. “It definitely helps bonding between students and faculty as well as other students. [It] closes the gap.”

With the end of the semester around the corner, landscape architecture students underwent a critique on their projects prior to the dinner—something that can create tension between professors and students, according to Alsopp, who is enrolled in studio for landscape architecture herself. It’s nice, she said, to be able to have a friendly interaction “without being on opposite sides.”

According to planning committee members, the turnout was better than expected. A continuous chatter among students and professors occupied the room for almost the full hour of the dinner, creating a homey atmosphere with the help of the simulated fireplace at the back wall.

“I expected less people would come,” said Alsopp, expressing her surprise.

In addition to approximately fifteen students, five faculty members attended the dinner, including associate professors Christopher Ellis and Byoung-Suk Kweon. The majority of students were undergraduates, but graduate students came as well.

“This is an opportunity for everyone to interact and also share their projects,” said Alsopp.

Because it’s a design degree, she explained, it’s good to share ideas and receive comments and feedback on project ideas. Events like these are hosted by SASLA for the department’s students at least once a month.

SASLA has a chapter in each state, allowing each group to connect with other landscape students across the nation. Conferences and talks are held for students involved and pave the way for more funding for associated projects and travel.

Through maintaining a group like SASLA, students like Alsopp and Wilke are able to be sponsored and given opportunities such as to host lecturers from other schools. Being a branch of a much larger, nationwide organization gives them a platform and more exposure. In turn, they’re able to host more meetings for their department’s students and discuss the direction of their studies and program altogether.