Extraordinary Gift Launches New $20,000 Honor Scholarship

Jeanne and Joe Lalli smiling in the bleachers at a Miami Heat game

A generous gift from Jeanne Dawson-Lalli has created the Landscape Architecture Foundation (LAF) Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA. This new $20,000 scholarship will be awarded annually to a student pursuing a Master’s degree in landscape architecture at an accredited university in the U.S. or Canada.

The scholarship was established in memory of Joseph J. Lalli, FASLA (1943-2014) and his 46-year career as a landscape architect, artist, philanthropist, mentor, and teacher. Joe was the chairman and former president of the firm EDSA and had more than 500 projects to his credit in 40 countries. He was a persuasive leader, well-known and admired for his modesty and generosity. Joe experienced great value in his master’s degree and wanted to help make the opportunity for graduate education accessible to others.

“We are honored to be able to offer such a significant award that serves as part of Joe’s wonderful legacy," said LAF Executive Director Barbara Deutsch, FASLA. “Joe exemplified ‘giving back’ and did much to support students and foster the development of the next generation of leaders in landscape architecture. This scholarship will help and inspire students for years to come.”

Candidates for the new scholarship must show commitment to some of the areas that Joe Lalli dedicated himself to, including drawing, artistic pursuits, the importance of travel, and service to one’s community and profession.

“Joe credited his graduate studies for making him the outstanding designer he was. He also learned so much from drawing, painting and traveling extensively — it influenced his designs and his way of thinking,” said Jeanne Dawson-Lalli, who established the scholarship in memory of her late husband. “Similarly, I hope that this award allows promising students to continue their studies and pursue their passions to feed their creativity.”

The LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA is the largest scholarship offered by the Landscape Architecture Foundation. LAF is now able to offer a total of over $60,000 annually in scholarships and fellowships for students through ten different awards.

Learn more about LAF scholarships here.