Michal Laszczuk, a University of Guelph master’s student in landscape architecture, has received the Mackenzie King Open Scholarship.
The prestigious award is given each year to a Canadian university graduate pursuing graduate studies in any discipline, in Canada or abroad.
“I am honoured to receive the Mackenzie King Open Scholarship,” said Laszczuk, calling the $8,500 award “an incredible opportunity.”
Originally from Guelph, the 23-year-old is in his second year of the MLA program. He will use the funding for a semester abroad at the University of Copenhagen in winter 2017.
Laszczuk is studying design methodologies integrating cultural landscapes, archeological heritage and contemporary design. He’s also interested in uses of 3D modelling, rendering programs and Photoshop for landscape architecture.
Laszczuk studied archeology at the University of Toronto before joining U of G’s School of Environmental Design and Rural Development. He was chosen for the award from 80 nominees from 50 universities, each allowed up to two nominations.
“It is wonderful to see this prestigious scholarship awarded to Michal Laszczuk,” said Prof. Wayne Caldwell, interim dean of the Ontario Agricultural College (OAC).
“Since joining our MLA program a year ago, Michal has maintained an outstanding level of academic achievement. The fact that only one of these scholarships is awarded each year across the country speaks to Michal’s hard work and dedication, to the high calibre of landscape architecture students at Guelph, and to the unique contributions they make in society as professionals.”
Laszczuk was recently profiled by the OAC in an online series titled “A Day in the Life.” He explained his detailed redesign of the space outside War Memorial Hall, from initial photos to concept sketch, 3D modelling and rendering, to printing of the final plan, called “Life of a Project.”
He hopes to work in landscape architecture and design, and might pursue a PhD.
The Mackenzie King Scholarships (open and travelling awards) are named for Canadian prime minister William Lyon Mackenzie King.