The Nanette R. LaCross Prizes and the William D. Drake Prizes

Nanette R. LaCross Memorial Prize Endowed Fund

Purpose stated:  Award a student in SEAS or PiTE who affiliates with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum by regular volunteering, proposing or working on special projects, conducting research related to Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, or participating as student employees at Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

William D. Drake Prize

Purpose stated: Award a student in SEAS or PiTE who affiliates with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum by regular volunteering, proposing or working on special projects, conducting research related to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum, or participating as a student employee at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum.

The Nanette R. LaCross Prizes and the William D. Drake Prizes recognize the affiliation of  Program in the Environment (PitE) undergraduate students or SEAS graduate students with Matthaei Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum (MBGNA). This affiliation can be past work, current engagement, or proposed activity relevant to the MBGNA. 

  • The LaCross Prize honors the student(s) who best exemplifies the spirit of Nanette LaCross who as a lawyer worked tirelessly for women’s rights, animal welfare, and many other environmental concerns. 
  • The Drake Prize honors the student(s) who best exemplifies the spirit of William Drake who as a professor in the School of Natural Resources and Environment was dedicated to a variety of environmental concerns at both global and local scales. 

Activities encompass regular volunteering, conducting research or artistic endeavors related to the properties, or participating as student employees at the MBGNA. Examples have included botanical, zoological, or ecological studies; environmental stewardship projects; green technologies and design related to the built environment; environmental art installations; gardening with children; local food production and sustainable agricultural systems.

  • Proposed activities that will be completed before the end of summer following graduation are appropriate, as long as there is meaningful affiliation with MBGNA Mission and Strategic Plan