In 1970, the University instituted an annual tradition of planting a tree to honor an individual who has made significant and lasting contributions to the design, planning, and maintenance of the Grounds. Planted at a public ceremony presided over by the University President on Founder's Day, the tree is to serve as a living memorial celebrating the individual's legacy.
T
he task of selecting the Founder's Day tree honoree, tree species, and location of the ceremony is given to the Arboretum and Landscape Committee, who forwards their recommendation to the President's Office. This year's honoree is Pamela Woodie Higgins, a decades-long mastermind of gatherings on Grounds as Executive Director of the Office of Major Events. Pam retired in January 2023 after more than 40 years of exemplary service to the university. This year's tree planting is postponed to April 25 at 10:00 a.m. to accommodate Pam's schedule. The ceremony, which is open to the public, will take place on the Lawn, in between Pavilions VII and IX.
For the complete list of officially designated memorial trees on Grounds, please click here.