A landscape architecture professor was recently recognized for his research and service in addition to his unique teaching style, his nominator said.

Ronald Stoltz, director of the School of Landscape Architecture, was inducted as a fellow into the Council of Educators in Landscape Architecture, an organization that promotes teaching and education in Vancouver, British Columbia.

Lauri Johnson, an associate professor of landscape architecture and one of Stoltz’s nominators, said even though Stoltz has a demanding job as the program’s director, students are in and out of his office during every hour of the day.

“”There’s always students lined up out the door to visit with him,”” Johnson said. “”He would never reject a student who needed his help.””

Stoltz was one of 10 inductees who were recognized for a lifetime of meritorious service and their contributions to education and educational leadership.

Stoltz said he was given advice when he began teaching, such as focusing on the student, having realistic expectations and teaching “”from within”” by being yourself.

Stoltz also said he uses a few teaching techniques, such as engaging students through conversation, relating one issue to another, summarizing in the middle of instruction and simply making class fun.

“”I think of classes as our time together,”” Stoltz said of his relationship with students. “”What did you learn in our time together?””

However, Stoltz said he loves teaching the courses that no students want to take, which challenge him to make the class enjoyable.

“”How do you make asphalt fun?”” Stoltz joked. “”Well, I use props.””

Stoltz also has curriculum design models that are geared toward design clarity, careful analysis, concept development and the final design, said Johnson.

Last year, Stoltz led the School of Landscape Architecture in an effort to “”adopt”” communities to help rebuild their public spaces decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Stoltz worked in conjunction with the American Society of Landscape Architects.

Stoltz, who graduated from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst, has professional practice experience in Switzerland, Germany, Canada and the U.S.

Student government gears up for voter-education campaign

The Associated Students of the University of Arizona’s voter-education campaign is kicking off today, a day after voter registration efforts came to a close.

ASUA President Erin Hertzog called the registration a “”success,”” with ASUA registering more than 2,000 students to vote, breaking ASUA’s previous record set in 2000.

Although ASUA did not have a specific number, Arizona Students’ Association Director Rebecca Rodl said several hundred students were registered at Friday night’s Voter Block Party alone.

Today, ASUA will begin educating voters on candidates and issues in an effort to increase turnout among the college-age population, Hertzog said.

Hertzog attributed much of the success to the efforts of ASUA officials and the Friday night’s Voter Block Party.

During its peak time, the Block Party attracted 3,000 students, Hertzog said.

In addition to a performance by The Format, 18 candidates addressed the audience, Mayor Bob Walkup talked with students and nine groups came to support different causes, such as environmental issues and Proposition 200.

“”This event was a unique way to grab the attention of the student body and make them understand the importance of the 2006 elections,”” said Hertzog.

ASUA Treasurer Carrie Pixler said the Block Party was a good opportunity to meet the candidates.

“”The in-person discussion provided helpful insights that will certainly guide my vote in November,”” Pixler said.

-Compiled from staff reports