Aarluk's Chris Grosset Awarded in Iqaluit

Ever modest and ever dapper, Chris Grosset receives the Schwabenbauer Recognition Award

As mentioned in a previous blog entry, Aarluk's Chris Grosset organized and co-hosted the first-ever Nunavut Congress of the Canadian Society of Landscape Architects (CSLA).  Chris was the NuALA (Nunavut Association of Landscape Architects) representative on the CLSA. Last year, he pitched the idea of hosting the annual CSLA Congress in Iqaluit at the National level, and when approved, proceeded to put on a conference that surpassed the expectations of everyone in attendance. Chris had thought of every detail imaginable, from the brown paper snack bag (complete with chocolate) for delegates on day excursions to the blue colour marker to represent water at the design charette held outdoors at the beach in Iqaluit.

The success of the conference and the obvious delight of its participants in their first northern trip came as no surprise to colleagues Marla Limousin, Geoff Rigby, Rosemary Ipeelie, and the rest of the planning committee, who saw the amount of effort Chris had put into preparing.

Apparently it came as no surprise to the CSLA either, who presented Chris with the Schwabenbauer Recognition Award during the closing gala dinner. This award is bestowed upon a member of the CSLA in recognition of their unselfish and devoted service to the CSLA at the national level over a period of not less than five years. The selection criteria for the award include:

• Contributions that have had a substantial meaningful impact on the CSLA as an organization, and/or to the membership of the Association;
• Advancement of the Association through the nominees professional and personal contributions; and
• A passion and enthusiasm for the profession of landscape architecture.

Passion and enthusiasm - that's our Grosset. Congratulations Chris on both the award and a job well done! And thanks to the many folks - planning committee members, performers, caterers, volunteers, delegates, folks from Nunavut Parks and the City of Iqaluit, Mayor Madeleine Redfern,  and everyone else who helped things run so smoothly.