“But my love for the field and my determination to grow drove me forward, and I knew I couldn't let this opportunity slip away.” “At the time, I faced a difficult decision-to leave my young family behind and pursue my passion for horticulture, or let the opportunity pass me by,” shares Kim, as he reminisces about his decision to apply for the Longwood internship program. He was determined to make the most of his time there, soaking up every bit of knowledge and experience that he could. Stepping into Longwood Gardens was like stepping into a whole new world - a magical world where every plant and every horticultural display was a new discovery waiting to be made. During that time, he gained practical experience rotating through various departments including greenhouse collections, production, display, and arboriculture. This marked his second journey to Longwood as he had first participated in our International Internship & Training Program from 1982-1983. Though his work there focused on hands-on horticulture, he was captivated by the incredible diversity of species and cultivars of trees-and he decided to pursue that passion via the Longwood Graduate Program. All Fellows have the opportunity to engage in project-based learning, expand their professional networks by traveling to other gardens, and learn from Longwood’s strategy and operations.įor Kunso Kim, a 1992 graduate, his passion for horticulture began while working at Chollipo Arboretum in Korea. Those who completed the Longwood Graduate Program and the Longwood Fellows Program, however, share many common experiences and have many fond memories-and success stories-to share. In 2017, the program underwent a complete transformation, altering its focus to building leadership capacity in public horticulture, replacing the graduate program with the current Fellows Program. This program evolved twice in its history-in 1988, the degree changed to a Master of Science in Public Horticulture Administration and in 1998 to a Master of Science in Public Horticulture. In 1967, Longwood partnered with the University of Delaware to create the Longwood Graduate Program, awarding graduates a Master of Science in ornamental horticulture. They’re strategic planners, cross-departmental collaborators, capital project managers, development officers, educators, curators, and so much more. While a few applicants are selected each year for the program-and thereby find themselves embarking upon an immersive learning experience at Longwood along with their respective cohort-the challenges, connections, and opportunities of the program have far-reaching impacts, both on the Fellows themselves and on the health and longevity of the field of public horticulture as a whole.Īs advocates for green spaces with the ability to inspire an appreciation for nature in others, alumni of the Longwood Fellows Program (previously called the Longwood Graduate Program) often go on to lead nonprofit institutions with meaningful missions rooted in plants, conservation, research, and education. Each year, horticulture professionals from around the globe apply for the Longwood Fellows Program, a unique leader-development program that focuses on preparing high-potential professionals for high-impact roles in public horticulture.
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