In July 1980, a group of Landscape Architects in Southern California representing the American Institute of Landscape Architects and the American Society of Landscape Architects realized a professional obligation to support the educational advancement of the landscape industry through individual scholarships. The first co-chairs were James B. Hogan and Robert R. Cardoza. Originally, the group was known as the committee for "Landscape Architect Student Scholarship" and was associated for the first couple of decades with the Landscape Architecture Foundation. CLASS Fund continues to bring together Landscape Architects, contractors, suppliers, and affiliated members of the green industry for interaction and fellowship while generating operational and endowment funds for scholarships, internships, and fellowships at institutions offering curriculum in landscape architecture and industry-related fields of study.

The 2020 year for CLASS Fund was challenging. As with all organizations, COVID-19 left its mark on the year. For the first time in 38 years, the CLASS Fund annual golf fundraiser had to be postponed; an annual tournament that brings over 150 Landscape Architects and green industry professionals together. However, we are moving forward with our planning for next year and have set a date of June 28, 2021 for the CLASS Fund 38th Annual Golf Tournament.

 
Scholarships totaling $31,500 were awarded to students in landscape architecture, horticulture and irrigation science programs at UC Davis, UC Berkeley, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Cal Poly Pomona, USC, and the UCLA Extension program. Some, but not all university programs held virtual award ceremonies. To view a list of this year's scholarship recipients, visit www.classfund.org.

CLASS Fund founder, Robert "Bob" Cardoza passed away on July 18, 2020 in San Juan Capistrano, California, after a long battle with cancer. Everyone who knew Bob will remember his commitment to the profession of landscape architecture, his warm charm, quick wit, and infectious smile.

An alumnus of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona ('64), Bob worked for several private and public agencies gaining experience in community planning, development and urban design before co-founding Cardoza, DiLallo & Associates in 1971. Today, nearly 50 years later, NUVIS continues, guided by his vision - creating memorable projects, with sustainable results.

His legacy was firmly rooted in his commitment to the profession of landscape architecture through professional pursuits and volunteerism. He was honored as a Distinguished Alumni, College of Environmental Design, Cal Poly Pomona (2003), a Fellow, American Society of Landscape Architects (1982), and recipient of California Council, Distinguished Citation for Leadership (1981). Throughout his career, Bob served on numerous boards and commissions, both locally and at the State level. In 1980, he helped to establish California Landscape Architecture Student Scholarship (CLASS) Fund and served as its Chairman of the Board for many years.

His decades-long dedication to the profession, tireless work ethic and unbridled enthusiasm made him the ultimate ambassador. He was something special. In the field of landscape architecture, Robert Cardoza was a giant.

CLASS Fund continued their partnership with CELA (Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture) and worked in coordination with them to finalize the Call for Proposals for the 2021 Research Grant. The biannual $25,000 award supports a research project related to landscape architecture, horticulture or landscape contracting. In honor of Robert Cardoza, the Grant has been named the Robert Cardoza CLASS Fund Research Grant.

Today, the Endowment Fund stands at $1.3M. CLASS Fund is renewing its commitment to aspiring professionals by increasing the financial goal of our Endowment Fund to $2M. Becoming a patron of CLASS Fund contributes to operational expenses, but direct support for scholarships and Endowment Fund principal. To become a patron of CLASS Fund or to make a donation in honor of Robert Cardoza, please contact the Chapter's Executive Director, Vicki Phillipy at vphillipy@classfund.org

As seen in LASN magazine, December 2020.