Landscape Architecture Student to Serve as CADC’s Spring Commencement Marshal

Thomas, who will earn a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture (BLA), is part of the first graduating class of the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture’s (APLA) re-launched BLA program. APLA recently commemorated forty years of Landscape Architecture graduates with an anniversary celebration weekend.

As a student, Thomas gained valuable hands-on experience through local opportunities with HILLWORKS, a landscape architecture studio founded by Associate Professor David Hill and Donald E. Davis Arboretum, a 14-acre botanic garden on Auburn’s main campus. She was also actively engaged in campus organizations, serving in leadership roles such as President of the student chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects and the Landscape Architecture representative on the CADC Student Council. In addition, she was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa Honor Society and Alpha Delta Pi.

Thomas’ journey into Landscape Architecture began with formative experience.

“As a senior in high school, I cared for my grandfather with dementia. Though he did not remember me, we would stroll through his garden, and he would light up at a plant’s name,” she shared. “In those moments, I realized how much landscapes can impact people, even through sickness. I chose my major so that I can choreograph experiences for people through creation.”

That early understanding of the power of landscapes led her to the Plains.

“Being part of the first graduating class of landscape architecture has been challenging at times, but very rewarding,” she shared. “One of my main takeaways from the program is the practice of observing the landscape and its processes so that others can engage with and marvel at their surrounding landscape.”

After graduation, Thomas plans to begin her career as a practicing landscape architect, gaining hands-on experience before returning to the classroom—this time as an educator, inspired by the very faculty who guided her journey.

“With only fourteen students in our cohort, we have had very close relationships with our faculty, who have each pushed me and encouraged me to fulfill potential that I didn’t even know I had,” Thomas said. “The impact academically and personally that each of my professors has had on me has led to my desire to become an educator one day, so that I can pay forward their service. I am incredibly grateful for them!”