October 7, 2005
Dr. Lolly Tai has spent a career as a professional landscape architect and educator furthering the art and science of her chosen field. Her devotion to the profession has certainly not gone unnoticed.
Dr. Tai, Chair of the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture at Ambler, was honored with the “CELA Award of Distinction” during the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture (CELA) 2005 Conference held in Athens, Georgia in late September. She was one of just two people selected internationally for the prestigious honor.
CELA, an organization comprised of members from 90 schools of landscape architecture in the United States and abroad, presents the award “in recognition for long-term accomplishments in a specific area of work in one or more of the following: teaching, research, or public service,” according to the award criteria. Dr. Tai was honored for having contributed in all three areas specified.
“CELA is the premier international organization for academics in landscape architecture, drawing members from the United States and throughout the world. Therefore, this award is a competitive one and I extend my heartiest congratulations to (Dr. Tai)! ” wrote Ken Brooks, Past President of CELA, in his award announcement. “Although the recognition is for accomplishment in one category, (Dr. Tai’s) submittal indicates that (her) long term accomplishments in all three areas are worthy of acknowledgement.”
According to the awards announcement Dr. Tai’s teaching at Clemson and Temple Universities has received outstanding evaluations by students for her ability to bring practical and technical expertise into the studio.
“(Dr. Tai’s) professional practice experience has permeated (her) courses, affording students the opportunity to understand the relevance of construction documentation to design and the need for exactingly high standards in both design and construction,” Brooks said. “(Dr. Tai) has been a tireless advocate for students as demonstrated through (her) willingness to pursue grants for computer equipment and scholarships enabling students to study abroad.”
For the past five years Dr. Tai has written about designing for energy efficiency and service learning, publications that have benefited both the profession and public at large.
“(Dr. Tai’s) 2004 research surveying Ph.D. programs in landscape architecture and how respondents perceive, choose, and benefit from a Ph.D. program contributed to a national dialogue about the merits of the Ph.D. in landscape architecture and its effect upon the profession,” Brooks wrote.
Throughout her career, Dr. Tai has served the landscape architecture profession in numerous ways, including as a member and president of the South Carolina American Society of Landscape Architects Executive Committee; serving on several accreditation visits; and currently serving as a peer reviewer for the United Stated General Services Administration.
“It is truly remarkable that Dr. Tai has been able to contribute so much to further the profession of landscape architecture,” said Dr. Sophia Wisniewska, former Dean of Temple University Ambler, in nominating Dr. Tai for the CELA award. “Her unwavering commitment to teaching, research, and service to the profession is truly exemplary. She embraces the core values of our profession.”
|
