Donor Impact

Indigenous Pathways Program fosters community, skill development and career success

A renowned North American multidisciplinary design firm is supporting a University of Calgary program aimed at providing Indigenous students with the best opportunities for skill development and career success.

DIALOG, with studios in Calgary, Vancouver, Edmonton, Toronto and San Francisco, has lent its support to the Indigenous Pathways Program at UCalgary’s Schulich School of Engineering (SSE) and School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL). 

The Indigenous Pathways Program, designed specifically for Indigenous students pursuing careers in STEM fields, including engineering, architecture, planning and landscape architecture, aims to provide essential support throughout the educational journey.   

In alignment with ii’ taa’poh’to’p, UCalgary’s Indigenous Strategy, it provides avenues for students to explore their academic interests while encouraging Indigenous representation in typically under-represented professions. 

“By weaving Indigenous lenses into the built environment, we can create spaces that are not only functional, but also culturally meaningful, sustainable and inclusive,” says SAPL Dean John Brown. “We’re incredibly grateful for DIALOG’s support, which empowers us to continue this important work.”

The program facilitates academic success while ensuring students feel a profound connection to their heritage as they navigate their education.

“We are proud of the work being done to support current and future engineering students,” says Deanna Burgart, associate dean, Indigenous Inclusivity and Reconciliation, adding the financial contribution from DIALOG will allow the program to continue its work.

"The challenges shaping our communities, such as climate resilience, infrastructure, housing, inclusion and reconciliation, are complex, and demand diversity of experience and ways of thinking to find the right solutions,” says DIALOG Studio Chair Chris Lenzin, BSc (Eng)’06, a UCalgary civil engineering alum. 

“It is important to us to support students in both SAPL and SSE to help foster the next generation of collaborative designers. We’re excited to learn alongside these students and to welcome them into our studio as they build their careers." 

The program aims for graduates to serve as role models, inspiring more Indigenous youth to pursue careers in engineering, architecture, planning and landscape architecture and, Lenzin says, “create real pathways for Indigenous students to bring their knowledge, perspectives and leadership into the professions that shape the built environment.”

To find out more about SAPL scholarships and awards, visit the web page. To find out more about the Indigenous Pathways Program at SSE, visit the web page. 

Maggy was a passionate advocate for sustainability and community engagement, and her legacy will live on in the students who embody her values. This award will recognize students in the MLA program who demonstrate a commitment to environmental stewardship and community impact.  

We invite you to join us in honoring the next generation of landscape architects who are carrying Maggy's vision forward. 

About the Scholarship

The Maggy Lehenbauer Memorial Graduate Scholarship is an initiative aimed at honoring the memory of Maggy, a passionate landscape architect who dedicated her life to sustainability and social responsibility in the profession. This award, introduced by EXP Services Inc., commemorates ten years of excellence in the Master of Landscape Architecture program at the University of Calgary.  

“At EXP, we are deeply committed to supporting the next generation of professionals. Since 2017, our partnership with SAPL has been an important contribution to this commitment, beginning with our sponsorship of the Design Matters lecture series. Through these efforts, we aim to encourage a culture of mentorship, innovation, and excellence, ensuring that students not only succeed academically but also feel supported as they embark on their professional journeys. 

Over the years, our support has grown to include a scholarship established in memory of our cherished colleague, Maggy Lehenbauer, whom we tragically lost last year.  

Maggy was a passionate advocate for landscape architecture and made lasting contributions to the profession. This scholarship honors her legacy by supporting students who share her dedication to shaping resilient, sustainable, and inspiring landscapes.” - Alison Legault, Manager of Landscape Architecture, EXP Services Inc. 

The award highlights Maggy’s core principles of sustainability and community service, which are essential qualities for anyone pursuing a career in landscape architecture. The goal is to inspire the next generation of landscape architects to incorporate environmental ethics into their work. 

Our First Recipient 

We are thrilled to announce the first recipient of the Maggy Lehenbauer Memorial Graduate Scholarship, Michael Spenrath a dedicated third-year MLA student who has exemplified an extraordinary commitment to sustainability in his coursework and community initiatives. Michael’s innovative project on urban rooftop gardens has not only enhanced local biodiversity but also engaged fellow students and community members in critical discussions about urban ecology. His dedication to environmental stewardship mirrors Maggy’s vision, making him a deserving inaugural recipient of this prestigious award. 

“Receiving this scholarship is a meaningful reminder of why I chose this path; to create landscapes that reflect care, connection, and respect for the natural world. It encourages me to continue pursuing work that strengthens the relationship between people and the environments we inhabit.” - Michael Spenrath, MLA student 

Thank you from the Associate Dean

"Establishing new student awards within SAPL’s Landscape Architecture program is essential to inspiring and supporting the next generation of landscape architecture professionals and leaders committed to shaping sustainable, healthy, and resilient communities and ecosystems. We are sincerely grateful to EXP for their generous partnership, which strengthens our shared commitment to advancing design excellence and innovation at SAPL, and helps empower our students to lead with purpose.”

- Enrica Dall’Ara, Associate Dean Planning and Landscape Architecture 

Eligibility Criteria 

Eligibility for this prestigious award is extended to students who are: 

• Currently enrolled full-time in the third year of the Master of Landscape Architecture (MLA) program.
• Demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability through their coursework and projects.
• Actively involved in initiatives within the UCalgary community or beyond, that reflect these values.   

The criteria emphasize both academic excellence and community involvement, encouraging students to apply their skills beyond the classroom. 

Embrace the Spirit of Maggy: Apply for the New Environmental Stewardship Award 

For students, this award represents an exciting path forward—a chance to celebrate and embody the ideals cherished by Maggy through your studies and community engagements. 

By taking this step, you not only honor Maggy’s legacy but also commit to making a difference in the field of landscape architecture. 

To find out more about scholarships, awards, and other ways to fund your future, please visit our Scholarships and Awards page.

“The WalterFedy Award represents a significant step forward in our commitment to inclusivity and diversity in urban design. By supporting Indigenous students, we are not only empowering their voices but also enriching the future of city building with vital cultural perspectives,” says Alberto De Salvatierra, Associate Professor SAPL. 

At SAPL, fostering an inclusive environment that reflects diverse cultural backgrounds is a core commitment. The WalterFedy Award is designed to increase Indigenous representation, ensuring that all students feel welcomed and valued in our community. 

Indigenous knowledge and perspectives are vital to creating sustainable and culturally relevant built environments. Thanks to WalterFedy, this award will support students who bring these essential insights into the field, enriching our collective understanding of the challenges and opportunities in city design. 

Investing in Indigenous students is an investment in the future of buildings, cities, and landscapes. By providing the WalterFedy Award, we aspire to inspire and cultivate the next generation of Indigenous leaders and innovators in design. 

We recognize the barriers that Indigenous students face in pursuing higher education. This award provides vital financial support to bridge gaps and make city-building education more accessible. 

Diversity in design leads to innovation. The WalterFedy Award encourages Indigenous students to contribute their unique perspectives and enriching our approach to city-focused solutions. 

Design has the power to transform communities, and we are excited to support Indigenous students passionate about creating spaces that honour culture and enhance community well-being. We encourage all Indigenous students to connect with their heritage and incorporate it into their design practices, expressing their cultural identity through their work. 

Indigenous ways of knowing and creating are valuable not only for Indigenous-centered projects but also for the broader field, and we invite non-Indigenous professionals to embrace these insights. 

"This award is our commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders who will bring invaluable insights and perspectives to the design of our urban landscapes. Together, we can foster a more inclusive and vibrant future for all,” says Mike Brady, Vice President of Operations, Western Canada, WalterFedy.