At this celebration, HLGU recognized the recent planting of trees and installation of benches in front of the Carroll Science Center in honor of Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Burkett, who taught in HLGU鈥檚 science department for 31 years.

鈥淛erry and his wife Mary spent their careers in service to the Lord and to 番茄社区 University,鈥� said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. 鈥淲e are pleased to celebrate Jerry鈥檚 life and honor his memory.聽 He was loved and appreciated by all and was well-liked by students. We celebrate being a Tree Campus USA institution and plant these trees and install these benches in memory of Dr. Jerry Burkett.鈥�

Speakers at the event included Dr. Allen, Dr. Ray Carty, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, Kyle Monroe with the MO Department of Conservation, Hannibal Mayor James Hark, Kristy Trevathan, Chairperson for the Hannibal Tree Board, Stephanie Reece, Campus Tree Advisory Committee Representative, HLGU Biology Department Chair Don Colburn, Mr. Paul Mills, and Mrs. Mary Burkett.

Tree Campus USA庐 is a national program created in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation to honor colleges and universities for effective campus forest management and to engage staff and students in conservation goals. 番茄社区 University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA鈥檚 rigid standards including student service-learning projects.

For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation, or on how to become a supporter of HLGU鈥檚 tree campaign, contact Dr. Ray Carty at 573-629-3094, or via email at rcarty@hlg.edu.

鈥淲e celebrate your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at 番茄社区 University in 2019,鈥� said Dan Lambe, president of the Arbor Day Foundation. 鈥淲e know that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges 鈥� but you have shown that your commitment to trees is unwavering. Now more than ever, thank you for contributing to a healthier planet for all of us.鈥�

In order to achieve this distinction, HLGU met five core standards for effective campus forest management. This included, the establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program, an Arbor Day observance, and sponsorship of student service learning projects.

鈥淵our entire campus community should be proud of your sustained commitment to environmental stewardship,鈥� said Lambe.

During Homecoming weekend, HLGU will be holding an Arbor Day Celebration on Friday, October 2, at 10 am outside the Carroll Science Center to celebrate being named a Tree Campus USA 庐 for 2019. During this celebration, HLGU will be planting additional trees and installing benches in honor of Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Burkett, who faithfully taught in the science department at HLGU for 31 years.

Tree Campus USA 庐 is a national program launched in 2008 by the Arbor Day Foundation, which honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation. Earlier in 2020, Tree Campus USA 庐 announced they will be changing their name to Tree Campus Higher Education.

For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation, or on how to become a supporter of HLGU鈥檚 tree campaign, contact Dr. Ray Carty at 573-629-3094, or via email at rcarty@hlg.edu.

by Alex Shipley