On Friday, October 2, 2020, Hannibal-LaGrange University hosted an Arbor Day Celebration outside the Carroll Science Center to celebrate being named a Tree Campus USA ® for 2019.
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’s science department for 31 years.
“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.”
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® 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.
For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation, 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.