The Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Purdue University recognized seven distinguished graduates at its annual Outstanding Alumni Awards ceremony on April 25, 2025.
“Their collective impact on science, society, and their communities is profound,” said Dr. Linda Prokopy, department head. “Tonight, we have the opportunity to uplift their impact and celebrate their many accomplishments. This is a true honor.”
2025 Outstanding Alumni Honorees
David Doud (BS Horticulture ’76)
Chairman of the Board, Midwest Apple Improvement Association
David Doud operates a retail fruit farm in north-central Indiana with his wife Valerie (Purdue ’77). As founding member and current board chair of the Midwest Apple Improvement Association, he has spent 25 years breeding and selecting new apple varieties. The association’s “managed, open release” distribution model has made modern varieties available to over 1,100 members who have planted nearly 4 million trees.
John Haven (BSLA ’01)
Principal, LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects
John Haven joined LeBlanc Jones Landscape Architects in Boston in 2005 and is now a principal. His projects have earned recognition from the American and Boston Society of Landscape Architects and the Boston chapter of the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art. Haven actively supports Purdue’s landscape architecture intern program and received the “5 Under 40” award from New England Home Magazine in 2016. He currently serves on the Design Review Board and as a board member of the Friends of Dedham Town Green.
Dr. Srinivas Makam (PhD Horticulture ’07)
Director of Sciences, Biomimetic Soil Solutions
Dr. Srinivas Makam director of sciences at Biomimetic Soil Solutions and runs their “Lab to Land” program, fostering collaboration between industries, universities, and growers. His work includes developing treatments for huanglongbing in citrus, Pierce’s Disease in wine grapes, and Fusarium infestation in row crops. He serves on the advisory board of Evolve Genomics, focusing on soil microbiome research.
Kris Medic (BS Horticulture Production ’82)
Retired, Formerly of Groundsmith Consulting
public gardens, and municipal horticulture, university Extension, and arborist and sustainability consulting. She authored four books, including “The New American Backyard” and contributed to the “All-New Encyclopedia of Organic Gardening.” In 2005, she became Indiana’s first board-certified master arborist. As Columbus, Indiana’s first city arborist, she pioneered professional management of trees within the city’s celebrated modern architecture landscape. In retirement, she manages a community garden producing 1.5 tons of organic produce annually for people in need.
Bel St. John Day (BSLA ’08)
Senior Landscape Architect, Bradley Site Design
With 17+ years of experience, Bel St. John Day’s portfolio includes U.S. Embassy projects worldwide, memorials, and educational campuses. Her research focuses on integrating sustainable energy solutions with landscape architecture principles. Day serves on the Potomac ASLA Executive Committee, Purdue University Landscape Architecture Professional Advisory Council, and Purdue D.C. Alumni Board.
Peter R. Verdicchio (BSLA ’95)
Principal, SEC Planning, LLC
As a founding member of Austin-based SEC Planning LLC, Peter Verdicchio has developed expertise in active adult/55+ community design over his 30-year career. His designs harmonize natural land features with user experience to create exceptional built environments. A licensed landscape architect in five states, Verdicchio serves a national client network while maintaining membership in the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin.
Eileen Looby Weber (BS Horticulture Production & Marketing ’03)
Vice President, Lake Forest Flowers
Eileen Looby Weber leads her family’s business in Lake Forest, Illinois, complemented by an MBA from Lake Forest Graduate School of Management. She was inducted into the American Academy of Floriculture in 2014 and has provided over a decade of leadership to the Purdue Agricultural Alumni board of directors. Weber also serves as an alderman for the City of Lake Forest.
The Department extends special thanks to Colleen Flynn for organizing this prestigious event, with appreciation to Kristina Cooley and Pam Fisher for their valuable assistance. More photos from the event can be viewed in the gallery.