Skip to main content

Alumni at UMass LARP

Our alumni are building a more sustainable world for future generations.

 

Welcome to the UMass Department of Landscape Architecture & Regional Planning alumni circle. You are part of an amazing group of people who are using their degrees to make the world a better place. Some of you are designing inclusive outdoor spaces like public parks, playgrounds, and pedestrian-friendly streetscapes. Many of you are leading green infrastructure projects to help cities become more resilient to climate change. Others are developing the plans and policies that will guide local decision-making on affordable housing, public transportation, sustainable land use, and more. 

As a LARP alum, you benefit from being a part of a large, powerful, and collaborative alumni network. You'll find that faculty and peer support will extend far beyond your days at UMass. You can tap into this network for career opportunities and advice, drawing from the experiences of talented and successful alumni and professors. The doors of the Design Building are always open to you, so reach out anytime! We’d love to hear about your accomplishments and invite you to explore the many ways to stay involved with the Department.

Community Stories

Environmental Scientist/Landscape Architect (MLA '24)

Mike Riccio at a desk
Mike Riccio earned a master's degree in landscape architecture in 2024 from UMass Amherst. Currently, Mike works as an Environmental Scientist/Landscape Architect with CDM Smith in Boston, Massachusetts, where he assists in the planning, designing and permitting of various public infrastructure projects, such as playgrounds, campuses, stormwater infrastructure, streetscapes and ecosystem restoration.
Mike Riccio at a desk

Project Assistant (BSLA/BSSCD '23)

Lucía Peña-Banda
As a Project Assistant for the City of Boston Planning Department, Lucía Peña-Banda supports the review of urban development projects across Boston—from mid-sized affordable housing to large-scale master plans.
Lucía Peña-Banda

Project Manager (MLA '25)

Latoya Smith
As a Project Manager for the City of Springfield Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), Latoya Smith integrates sustainable design principles with urban planning initiatives, ensuring that projects prioritize community well-being, ecological resilience, and social equity.
Latoya Smith

Transportation Planner & Geographer (MRP & MS Geography '24)

Drew Thomas
Drew Thomas, AICP, is a transportation planner and geographer currently working at the Connecticut Transportation Institute. At CTI, Drew works with the Connecticut Transportation Safety Research Center team developing tools for managing transportation assets and safety across the state.
Drew Thomas

Transportation Planner (MLA/MRP '20)

Ben Breger
Ben Breger, AICP is a Transportation Planner with Bowman Consulting Group, where he supports local, regional, and state planning efforts across Southern New England. His work focuses on roadway safety, bike/ped and recreation plans, community master plans, public engagement, grant writing, and feasibility studies.
Ben Breger

Landscape Architectural Designer (BSLA '22)

Andrew Carrano
Andrew Carrano designs animal habitats in zoos all over the country as a landscape architectural designer at CLR Design
Andrew Carrano

Ways to Get Involved

There are numerous ways to be involved in the Department as an alum. Read below or email LARP's Associate Chair Carolina Aragón at @email to learn about opportunities.

Group of people talking in rooftop garden

Alumni Board

LARP's Alumni Board, known as the Waugh Alumni Board, works to strengthen connections between the Department and its alumni community. The board organizes professional development opportunities, plans alumni engagement events, and raises funds to support student scholarships. Learn more.

Alumni mentoring workshop, alum talking with student

Mentoring

During the academic year, the Department hosts mentoring sessions that connect students with alumni to discuss career interests. Our fall semester session is held virtually, and our spring semester session takes place in person. Please contact Caitlyn Dittmeier Lyons at @email) if you are interested in serving as a mentor.

LARP alumni talk in a panel

Alumni Panels

Each semester, the Department hosts alumni panel discussions as part of the Zube Lecture Series. These events are a great opportunity for alumni to showcase their work, talk about their professional experiences, and answer questions about their careers from our student audience. If you're interested in serving on a panel, please email Tosin Bamidele at @email.

Student engaged with recruiter at the 2024 spring LARP Career Fair

Career Fairs

You can open the door to great opportunities for our students! Join us at the Department’s annual Career Fair, held in the John W. Olver Design Building at UMass Amherst. You’ll meet talented students from across our programs, share information about your organization, and recruit emerging professionals to join your team. Email Caitlyn Dittmeier Lyons at @email to learn more.

Dan Gordon teaching a student how to draw a design

Studio Instruction

Bring your expertise to the classroom. The Department welcomes alumni to help teach our fall and spring semester studios, giving students the chance to broaden their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and gain real‑world experience. If you’re interested in teaching, reach out to Department Chair Henry Renski at @email.

Karen Sebastian as guest critic

Presentations

A great way to support students is by attending studio presentations. Presentations are held twice a semester (midterms and finals) in the John W. Olver Design Building. Admission is free and open to the public! Faculty often invite alumni to serve as guest critics as well. Visit our events page to see upcoming dates and email LARP's Associate Chair Carolina Aragón (@email) to learn more.

LARP students and alumni hold up a tshirt of the Olver Design Building at the ASLA National Conference, 2023.

Alumni Socials

The Department loves reconnecting with alumni at events throughout the year—from the LABash Party at the National ASLA Conference to our alumni socials and regional meet‑ups. These gatherings are a great way to catch up, strengthen your professional network, and stay connected to the LARP community. Visit our events page, follow us on social, and join our mailing list to hear about upcoming events.

David Yuezhong Chen Inducted into 2025 ASLA Class of Fellows

Share Your News

The Department regularly features alumni in our monthly newsletter, on our website, and on social media! Whether you’ve started a new job, received an award, taken on an exciting project, debuted creative work, or recently retired, we’d love to celebrate your accomplishments. Email Caitlyn Dittmeier Lyons (@email) or submit this form to share your story.

social media icons

Stay Connected

Join our mailing list and follow us on social media (Instagram, Facebook, and Linked-In) to stay on the pulse of all the exciting things happening at LARP!