Relf Named Fellow Of Ashs

BLACKSBURG, Oct. 2, 2002 -- The American Society for Horticultural Science recently named a Virginia Tech professor among its newest class of the society's Fellows, recognized for their outstanding contributions to the field of horticulture.

Diane Relf, a professor and extension specialist in the university's Department of Horticulture, was named in recognition for, among other honors, her continuous work in building understanding of the human benefits of horticulture. Relf has done extensive work, both nationally and internationally, in human issues in horticulture and its therapeutic qualities, and helped establish what is now the American Horticultural Therapy Association. Additionally, she has been a member and chair of several working groups of ASHS, as well as an associate editor for the journal HortTechnology. An ASHS member since 1977, Relf has earned and held several distinguished awards and positions.

In addition to various awards that she has received from the ASHS,. Relf has also received awards from the Southern Region - ASHS, the American Horticulture Therapy Association, Southern Living magazine, and the American Horticultural Society. Relf organized the first international People-Plant Symposium in 1990. At that time the representatives of the horticultural professional and trade associations formed the People-Plant Council, selecting her chair, a position she still holds.

She attended both Texas Tech University, where she received a bachelor's degree in Horticulture in 1967, and the University of Maryland, completing her master's degree in 1972 and her doctorate in 1976.

The awards ceremony was held in August in Toronto.