LC/DBM has a long history with the California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund (CLASS Fund), who "develops programs and events to support educational advancement by providing funds for scholarships and fellowships at institutions offering curriculums in landscape architecture and industry-related fields of study." Over the first three months of 2023, three founding members of the non-profit passed away, Robert Sawyer, John Hourian, William "Bill" Cathcart, and a fourth founder, Robert Cardoza, passed away in mid 2020. We thought these pioneers deserved a little recognition. For more visit CLASSFund.org.

John Hourain
On January 11, John Hourian, RLA, ASLA, and longtime friend of LASN, passed away after a long illness. Hourian was the president and principle of Hourian Associates, Inc. which he founded in 1989. Hourian was also one of the three founding members of the California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship Fund (CLASS Fund) and served as the Southern California ASLA Chapter president in 1975 and 1980. In 2020, he was inducted into the Green Industry Hall of Fame. John is survived by his wife Beryl; his daughter, Nicole and husband Brett Nunn; his daughter Erika and husband Kris Spear and six grandchildren, Fletcher, Lola, Walker, Grayson, Sheldon and Shane.

 

William "Bill" Cathcart
On March 7, 2023, William "Bill" Cathcart, 78, passed away after a long battle with Parkinsons disease. He was a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) and a founding member of Class Fund.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Cassie, his son Jeffrey, daughter-in-law Judith, and granddaughters Avery and Audrey.

Rob Sawyer
Rob Sawyer, ASLA, was the president of Land Concern, a CLASS Fund Board Member, and a longtime friend of LASN. He passed away January 13, after a long battle with cancer. Rob's landscape construction industry exposure came early in life through his father's business as a landscape contractor and retail nursery owner for over fifty years. Rob grew up working with his father and that was the beginning of what is now a long and successful career as a licensed landscape architect. He founded his own Landscape Architecture firm in 1974. Rob is survived by his wife, Janet, his daughter Christy, son Greg and his grandchildren, Tyler and Nicole.

Robert R. "Bob" Cardoza
Robert R. "Bob" Cardoza, 82, passed away after a long battle with cancer on July 18, 2020, at his home. He co-founded Cardoza, DiLallo & Associates in 1971. In 1980, Bob helped establish the scholarship fund, CLASS Fund where he served as chairman of the board for many years. He also devoted much of his professional career to the American Society of Landscape Architects. Bob is survived by his wife, Stella, two sons, Brian and Perry, his daughter-in-laws, Susanne and Catherine, and six grandchildren, Sebastian, Anthony, Cassandra, Aaron, Madeleine and Anna.
CLASS Fund has a $2 million endowment goal for 2030 after meeting their $1 million endowment goal in 2010. The Fund's 40th Annual Golf Tournament is set for July 17th, 2023.