Salaries Increase for Landscape Architecture Graduates

The American Society of Landscape Architects 2003 Graduating Student Survey revealed that salaries rose to an average of $35,000 in 2003, compared to $33,000 in 2002, for those graduates who found positions.

For graduates of undergraduate programs, the average 2003 starting salary was $34,000, compared to $32,000 in 2002. For those from graduate programs, the 2003 starting salary averaged $41,000, compared to $38,000 in 2002. The survey is posted online at www.asla.org/whatsnew.html.

Also of note, ASLA membership has increased by six percent over the past year to more than 14,000 members, a record in the society's 104-year history.

Founded in 1899, ASLA is the national professional association for landscape architects. Landscape architecture is a comprehensive discipline of land analysis, planning, design, management, preservation and rehabilitation. For more information, go to www.asla.org.

Construction Industry Helps U.S. Troops in Iraq

More than 1,000 dust masks, 140 pairs of leather gloves, 5,200 pairs of foam ear plugs and 2,200 packets of lens cleaner are being forwarded to U.S. Troops in Iraq, thanks to members of the Colorado Contractors Association.

In November, CCA member Brian Kassah visited the CCA offices during his two-week military R & R. Kassah serves in the 244th Army Engineering Battalion, Ft. Carson.

Kassah, owner of Value Safety Inc., described the Iraqi soil as being "much like flour, very fine and powdery, and a real problem for our troops." Kassahn said that troops need dust masks, foam ear plugs, leather gloves and lens wipes. Requests were sent to members of various CCA committees and they responded quickly and generously.

Members brought cases of supplies for Kassahn to take back to troops in his battalion. Some members told the CCA staff to purchase supplies and send them the bill. When Wylaco Supply and Safety and Construction Supply Inc. discovered assistance was needed, it donated supplies as well as selling supplies at cost to those companies that donated safety equipment to the troops.

To make donations for the 244th Army Engineering Battalion, drop off supplies at Colorado Contractors Association, 6880 S. Yosemite Ct., Ste. 200, Englewood, CO 80155.

Companies that have contributed safety supplies to date include: