LSU Renames School of Landscape Architecture after Founder Robert Reich

Robert “Doc” Reich standing with LSU Chancellor Sean O’Keefe, Provost Astrid Merget, Gina Dugas of the LSU Foundation, College of Art & Design Dean David Cronrath, and Director Elizabeth Mossop. View more photos.

October 27, 2007 — LSU and the College of Art & Design are pleased to announce the naming of the School of Landscape Architecture after the school’s beloved founder and professor emeritus, Robert S. “Doc” Reich. A naming ceremony for The Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture was held Saturday, Oct. 27, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. in Room 103 of the Design Building on the LSU campus.

“This is a momentous occasion for the School of Landscape Architecture and the College of Art & Design,” said Dean David Cronrath. “Doc has inspired generations of students to become landscape architects, many of whom have upon graduation become among the most important practitioners in the nation.”

When Reich established the School of Landscape Architecture in 1941, it was one of very few in the country. For more than 40 years, he actively directed the program and helped develop it to its present state as the top-ranked undergraduate program in the country. He retired in 1983 but remains professor emeritus and continues teaching through enrichment seminars and sharing his expertise with students.

“Doc’s legacy as an educator has been profoundly influential in the establishment of the profession in Louisiana and in the education of generations of landscape architects now practicing worldwide,” said Elizabeth Mossop, director of the school.

The naming of the school came about as a result of an effort of the College of Art & Design’s alumni, who raised $4 million to support student scholarships, faculty development, public lectures and the advancement of student leadership. A core committee of distinguished alumni including Jeff Carbo, Kurt Culbertson and Doug Reed helped lead the effort along with Dean Cronrath and college development officers. The fundraising campaign is part of the Forever LSU Campaign and will help the school maintain its tradition of excellence.

Forever LSU thanks donors for the continued financial support of LSU students, faculty and programs. The goal is to raise $750 million by 2010. Please visit www.foreverlsu.org for more information on how LSU is progressing and how every Tiger can help.

For more information, contact Scott Madere, the director of public relations for the LSU Foundation, at 225-578-3826 or smadere@lsufoundation.org. Below is the agenda for the naming ceremony.