The College of Architecture + The Arts held its Commencement Ceremony for the Spring 2013 graduating class this past Wednesday, May 1st. Jose Alvarez graduated with a Master’s in Landscape Architecture and was recognized as an FIU World’s Ahead Student during the ceremony.
Alvarez had the following to say about the award and his experience as a student in the Department of Landscape Architecture, “the award is a real honor, and is an amazing way to end an unforgettable chapter in my life. This achievement was only possible thanks to the support and encouragement of people that surround me, it is also a testament to the amount of help I have been given over the last three years.” This is the second year in a row that a Landscape Architecture student wins the prestigious award.
Alvarez was granted the award because of his outstanding academics and personal achievements. The Florida Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) recognized him with Awards of Merit in 2011 and 2012. As Vice President of the ASLA Student Chapter at FIU, he acted as a planning committee leader for the 2012 Landscape Architecture Bash (LABash), hosting more than 250 participants. He also serves as the 2012-2013 ASLA National Student Representative and was awarded the EDSA Minority Scholarship for his focus on Latin culture. Alvarez has also contributed to design projects including the National Park Service and the city of South Miami, and has taken part in the remodeling of spaces at FIU such as the Deuxieme Maison courtyard, informally known as the “Sky Lounge.”
Alvarez credits the entire faculty at the Department of Landscape Architecture, including faculty mentor and department chair Roberto Rovira for his successes and growth as a landscape architect. Upon graduation he plans to pursue his landscape architecture license and join a landscape architecture firm were he can work as a contributing member of the team.
We are fortunate to have dedicated and remarkable students like Jose Alvarez in our College, who not only aspire to become future leaders but also contribute to FIU’s success and act as role models for future students.