Reza Nasseri, namesake and benefactor of the Nasseri School of Building Science and Engineering at the University of Alberta, has received one of APEGA's highest honors. Photo and video courtesy APEGA.
As his story goes, Reza Nasseri, arrived in Canada one cold December day in 1964 with less than $100 in his pocket, but with a wealth of ambition. He enrolled in civil engineering at the University of Alberta, but switched to electrical engineering after watching Neil Armstrong walk on the moon, and being inspired by reading many science fiction books. Still, he never lost his passion for building and, in 1977, he co-founded a construction company that evolved into Landmark Homes.
Since 1996, Landmark has donated more than $11.5 million to various charitable and community initiatives, focusing on post-secondary education, health care, the arts, and programs for newcomers and the homeless. The University Hospital Foundation occupies a special spot on Nasseri's list-the hospital saved his brother's life. Since 1996, Nasseri has repaid the favour by donating $250,000 annually to the Foundation.
With a strong focus on his community, Nasseri and his family donated $10 million to the faculty of engineering at the University of Alberta in 2014 to create and run a space dedicated to fostering industrialization and sustainability in the construction industry. Notably, he invites his competitors to share in the advancements made so they can collectively improve the safety and efficiency of the construction industry. Placing generosity and service above profit, Nasseri is dedicated to improving society any way he can.
In recognition of his personal commitment to community advancement, Nasseri was presented with the APEGA Community Service Award. This award is presented to APEGA members who are recognized by their peers for outstanding contributions to society.
Awards and Distinctions
- Member, Order of Canada (2017)
- Hall of Fame, Canadian Home Builders' Association-Alberta (2016)
- Alberta Business Hall of Fame (2014)
- Klaus Springer Award, Canadian Home Builders' Association-Alberta (2014)
- Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013)
- Alberta Order of Excellence (2010)
- Community Service Hall of Fame, Salute to Excellence, City of Edmonton (2010)
- Audrey Greenough Award of Merit, University Hospital Foundation (2007)
- Alberta Centennial Medal (2005)
- Peter Lougheed Award, University Hospital Foundation (2004)
Professional Affiliations and Activities
- Member, Edmonton Energy Transition Advisory Committee (2016-present)
- Member, Blatchford Advisory Group (2014-present)
- Director, Board of Directors, University of Alberta Properties Trust (2014-present)
- Member, Management Committee, Net Zero Energy Housing Council, Canadian Home Builders' Association (2014-present)
- Member, Advisory Committee, Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Chair (2011-present)
- Founding Member (on behalf of CHBA Edmonton), Edmonton Housing Trust Fund (2000-2001)
- Member, APEGA (1975-present)