Student Profile – Bryce Donner, Landscape Architecture
Landscape architecture student Bryce Donner was recently named a 2018 National Olmsted Scholar Finalist. This program is the premier national leadership award program for landscape architecture students. As an undergraduate finalist for this award, Donner received $3,000.
He was nominated for the award by our landscape architecture faculty. The program by the Landscape Architecture Foundation that recognizes and supports students with exceptional leadership potential who are using ideas, influence, communication, service and leadership to advance sustainable design and foster human and societal benefits.
“Among BLA students nominated from across the U.S. and Canada, I’m honored to have been selected as one of three 2018 National Olmsted Scholar Finalists,” Donner said. “I hope to use the resources from this award to create an interactive virtual exhibit of the stories, memories and legends people have at Florida springs. The project aims to amplify and strengthen the community of spring advocates and underscore the value Florida’s springs bring to our culture and history.”
What have you valued most about your time at the College of Design, Construction and Planning?
I have valued most the friendships I’ve made with studio mates. We really created a collaborative, joyful atmosphere that sustained us through stress and doubt. It was a pleasure to learn and grow alongside a healthy bunch of smart, curious and passionate individuals.
What class have you enjoyed the most so far at DCP?
I would have to say the class I most enjoyed was the capstone studio course. It was satisfying to work on a project I’m passionate about with the support, criticism and mentorship of professors like Peggy Carr, Tim Murtha and Costis Alexakis. Over the course of the semester, I developed a vision for Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park in North Florida, including underwater gardens and a plan for the surrounding landscape.
What will you take away from your time here at DCP?
From my time at DCP and my studies in landscape architecture, I will take away a sensitivity to diverse perspectives of the world and an optimistic outlook for the future. I’ve seen how integrative design can build communities and ecosystems in support of one another.