HLGU Leads the Way by Helping to Create a Healthier Planet

Hannibal-LaGrange University will hold an Arbor Day celebration on Friday, April 3, at 10 am outside the Carroll Science Center to celebrate being named a Tree Campus USA® institution for 2019, the seventh year in a row that HLGU has earned this designation.

The University will also honor Dr. Gerald (Jerry) Burkett’s memory by planting additional trees and installing permanent benches. Dr. Burkett taught for 31 years in the science department at HLGU.

“Jerry and his wife Mary spent their careers in service to the Lord and to Hannibal-LaGrange University,” said Dr. Anthony Allen, HLGU President. “We are pleased to celebrate Jerry’s life and honor his memory.  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.”

Tree Campus USA® 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. Hannibal-LaGrange University achieved the title by meeting Tree Campus USA’s rigid standards including student service-learning projects.

“Students are eager to volunteer in their communities and become better stewards of the environment,” said Matt Harris, chief executive of the Arbor Day Foundation. “Participating in Tree Campus USA sets a fine example for other colleges and universities, while helping to create a healthier planet for us all.”

For more information on the Arbor Day Celebration, or on how to become a supporter of HLGU’s tree campaign, contact Dr. Ray Carty at 573-629-3094, or via email at rcarty@hlg.edu, or give online at hlg.edu/giving.

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