Several Ruppert Landscape team members recently attended the 2025 National Collegiate Landscape Competition (NCLC) at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, CO. Hosted by the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP), this annual event brings together hundreds of landscape and horticulture students alongside industry-leading organizations, manufacturers, and suppliers for three days of competitive events, networking, recruiting, and learning. We are proud to participate in NCLC each year and are honored to contribute in multiple ways—including sponsoring competitions, participating in the career fair, hosting the faculty luncheon, awarding scholarships, and more.
Pictured left to right: Cole Stoy, Joe Ketterer, Steve Faber, Jim Tuzzolino, McKenna Rowles, Brittany Lockwood.
Reflecting on this year’s NCLC, Division President Jim Tuzzolino captured the energy of the event, stating, “This year’s NCLC was unlike any other. From the opening ceremony to the final moments of the Plant Installation event, these schools were in it to WIN. The teamwork, dedication, and camaraderie displayed during each event are unmatched, and I’m truly impressed with the level of talent coming out of this next generation.”
A highlight we look forward to every year is the NCLC career fair—the largest recruiting event in the industry. Talent Acquisition Representative Brittany Lockwood emphasized its importance, saying, “The career fair at NCLC is in a league of its own, bringing together about 770 students from over 50 universities across the nation. It provides a unique atmosphere for reconnecting with peers, forming new connections, and offering leadership teams the opportunity to scout emerging talent. This platform allows top-tier horticulture students to access meaningful career-building prospects, and Ruppert’s continued involvement underscores our commitment to cultivating future industry leaders.”
Ruppert was also proud to sponsor the Faculty Luncheon, held the day before the opening ceremonies. This event creates a more intimate environment for building relationships with faculty and professors who are instrumental in preparing the next generation of green industry professionals. Irrigation Manager Mckenna Rowles noted, “The Faculty Luncheon provided a personalized setting for us to connect with advisors and educators who mentor and guide the future leaders of our industry. These relationships help us better understand how we can support and nurture the growth of young talent entering the field.”
One of the most exciting aspects of NCLC is the hands-on competitions, where students apply their skills in real-world scenarios. Ruppert was proud to once again sponsor the Landscape Plant Installation competition—a two-hour event where three-person teams install a variety of landscape materials, including sod, soil amendments, mulch, tree staking, edging, and plants. Each team receives a plan 15 minutes before the start, detailing the exact placement of materials within an area ranging from 100 to 400 square feet.
Branch Manager Cole Stoy highlighted the significance of the event, saying, “The Plant Installation competition serves as the grand finale of NCLC, and this year we had 159 students from 53 schools participate. It’s an incredible opportunity for these students to showcase their talents and truly shine.”
“There’s a misconception among those who haven’t experienced NCLC that it’s more like a vacation than work—but I can assure you, that’s far from the truth,” said Joe Ketterer, Director Emeritus of Quality and Efficiency/Consultant. “It’s more like a marathon, where you’re moving from one event to the next from morning until evening with little to no downtime. Because of our in-depth involvement, especially with the planting event, we definitely burned the candle at both ends. Despite the long hours, it was a well-orchestrated labor of love, right through to the final event.”
At the conclusion of the events, the NALP Foundation awarded its annual scholarships, including the Ruppert Landscape Company Scholarship, which is presented to a deserving student pursuing a career in the landscape industry.
“This year, we are proud to award the scholarship to Emily Galloway, a freshman at Lander University,” said Region Manager John Harich. “Emily is a bright and talented student, and we’re excited to support her journey and see where her career in the green industry takes her.”
We would like to extend a special thanks to Colorado State University for hosting this exceptional event and congratulate the winners of this year’s competition:
🥇 First Place: Brigham Young University – Provo
🥈 Second Place: Cuyahoga Community College
🥉 Third Place: Colorado State University
Region Manager Steve Faber summed up the event perfectly: “NCLC is an unparalleled experience that we look forward to each year. It’s more than just an opportunity to engage with students from top-tier programs across the country; it’s a platform for industry professionals and vendors to come together, fostering enthusiasm and progress in our field while nurturing future leaders. We’re excited to see the energy and talent that students will bring to Michigan State University next year!”
We are proud to be part of this incredible event and remain committed to investing in the growth and success of future industry professionals. See you at NCLC 2026!