Common Lecture Series

The Steve Strom Memorial Lecture invites professionals, artists, and organizations that highlight and advance knowledge in landscape architecture through teaching, design and planning, art, or social engagement. The lecture sets the tone for fall semester students to create connections between the topic and their work in design studios. 

Steve Strom was a nationally recognized educator, scholar, American Society of Landscape Architect Fellow, and the first department chair. His book Site Engineering for Landscape Architects was published in 1984 and remains one of the standard texts for design and construction studios. His tenure as a professor and chair was characterized by innovation, leadership, and profound dedication to students. 

The Margret O. Cekada Memorial Lecture showcases renowned designers, artists, scientists, and organizations that question, propose, investigate, or highlight the significance of the landscape. These annual spring lectures engage the university community in topics that promote inquiry and inspire students to learn about landscape architecture in academia and society.

The lecture memorializes the life, work, and spirit of Margret O. Cekada, an outstanding Rutgers student who, after a successful career in marketing, pursued her love of landscape architecture until her passing in November of 2000. We are grateful to her family for establishing the endowed lecture.