EDRA SERVICE AWARD

Eligibility

This award is given to EDRA members who have contributed above and beyond exemplary service to the organization, either in the form of specific significant service contribution to the organization or field or in sustained service to the field and organization as members and volunteers over a period of time.

All nominees must be EDRA members in good standing*.

*Past recipients are not eligible to receive this award more than once. Current board members are not eligible for this award while in office; however, they may be nominated after three (3) years of leaving the board.

Timeline

• Closed for this year.

Nomination Process

The materials should be submitted in one (1) PDF document and should not be more than 20 pages in length and 5 MB in file size.

Nominations (by self or others) are invited to submit for this award. The nomination packet must include:

• One page summary explaining the reasons for the nomination;
• Brief supporting statements from three (3) EDRA members;
• and Additional supporting materials illustrating the nominee’s significance of service.

Separate from the nomination packet, we request the nominator(s) to include a publish-ready photo of the nominee and a short biography. These additional items should not exceed 5 MB in file size.

2025 EDRA Service Award

Deni Ruggeri, Ph.D., MLA/MRP

Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Director of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture at the University of Maryland, College Park

Dr. Deni Ruggeri has been named the recipient of the 2025 EDRA Service Award in recognition of his exceptional leadership and sustained contributions to the Environmental Design Research Association.

As EDRA’s Executive Director and former Chair of the Board of Directors, Dr. Ruggeri has played a central role in strengthening the organization. He led the planning and execution of five EDRA conferences—including two international and two fully virtual events—ensuring continuity, accessibility, and high standards during a period of unprecedented global disruption.

His leadership has resulted in increased membership, operational stability, and a more inclusive and globally connected EDRA community. He has also initiated impactful programs such as the renaming of the Student Travel Award in honor of Nana Kirk and the creation of the GPA Place Art Award, reflecting a commitment to both legacy and innovation.

Dr. Ruggeri is Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Director of the Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Maryland, College Park. He holds a Laurea in Architettura from Politecnico di Milano, dual master’s degrees in Landscape Architecture and City and Regional Planning from Cornell University, and a Ph.D. in Landscape Architecture and Environmental Planning from the University of California, Berkeley.

This award honors his transformative service and long-standing dedication to EDRA’s mission and community.

PAST SERVICE AWARD WINNERS