Plant/Tree of the Month
March 2004

Gift of a Tree

Over the years, alumni and friends have increased the beauty of Wooster’s campus with gifts to provide for the purchase and planting of trees. Trees may be given to honor a class during a special reunion or at Commencement. They may also be given to honor the memory of a friend or family member or to recognize an individual ’s extraordinary service to the College.

In the photo (Above Left) is Kathleen Miller who is a member of The College of Wooster grounds crew. She spends the majority of her time caring for the L.C. Boles Golf Course.

The tree she is holding is a ‘Princeton’ American Elm. It was recently planted on the East side of Beall Ave across the street from Gault Alumni. It is being donated this year by the Class of 1954 to commemorate their 50-year reunion that will take place in June of this year. The ‘Princeton Elm’ is a true American elm and is highly resistant to the Dutch Elm Disease that has reduced the Elm population on campus from 440 in 1955 to the 6 remaining trees. This tree and its twin are the first attempt at reestablishing a population of American Elms on campus.

The photo (Above Right) shows an Umbrella Magnolia located in the Oak Grove immediately North of Kauke archway. It was given by the class of 1911 and planted in 1961 to commemorate their 50^th class reunion.

(Above Left) We see a gracefully branched Weeping Beech located East of Taylor parking lot and North of McGaw Chapel. This specimen tree was given by Grace M. Tompos and planted in 1996 "to Celebrate Life".

(Above Right) The photo shows a Swamp White Oak located on the bank behind Lowry Center overlooking the varsity Football Field with Timken Gymnasium in the background. This Oak was given by the bookstore employees in remembrance of Edward Runser who was manager of the Wilson Bookstore from 1983 until his death from cancer in 1995.

A gift of $500 will cover the purchase and installation of a 2-inch diameter tree as well as the care and maintenance of the tree until it is well established. Gifts of larger trees can also be arranged at additional cost, determined by the size and species of the tree.

If you are interested in purchasing a tree, please contact Rebecca Schmidt, Office of Development, at 330-263-2084.

The College of Wooster also welcomes gifts of any amount to be added to the Tree Endowment for the purpose of providing perpetual care for all trees on campus.

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