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PLANTS AND TREES HAVE A RICH HISTORY AT MEREDITH -
Student and Professor are Working to Identify Commemorative
and Memorial Plants on Campus
By Megan Deane, ’03, Marketing and Communications
Intern
 If
plants and trees could talk, they would have a lot to say
at Meredith. Sandra Strenka, ’03, and Dr. Janice Swab, professor
of biology, are identifying commemorative and memorial plants
on campus and learning about Meredith’s history along the
way.
According to Strenka, “The commemorative and memorial plants
provide a reminder of the people who have affected Meredith’s
history, so we aim both to preserve and to celebrate the importance
of these trees and shrubs.”
Strenka and Swab have found numerous memorial trees around
campus. Dogwood trees are planted in memory of students Erika
Woodlief, ’98, and Akie Segawa, ’01, and another tree will
be planted in memory of Tiana Williams,’02.
“A ginkgo was planted in honor of Professor Ralph McLain near
Jones Auditorium and a water oak in memory of Meredith employee
Lon Avent behind Brewer,” Strenka says.
Gardens have been planted on campus in honor of Cleo Grover
Perry,’45, Ms. Frankie Weems, wife of former President John
E. Weems, and former Professor of English Norma Rose.
Strenka says other trees and plants at Meredith serve as reminders
of joyous occasions. For example, many trees were planted
in honor of the College’s centennial celebration in the spring
of 1992.
Identifying these plants is only a small part of a large project
to evaluate the College’s green space. Strenka encourages
anyone who knows about other commemorative or memorial foliage
on campus to let her know. Strenka can be reached by e-mail
at StrenkaS@meredith.edu.
“Since it is our intention to produce a printed campus tour
of these plantings, we need maximum information,” Strenka
says.
If anyone would like to plant a commemorative tree or shrub
on campus, contact Harry Cadman, grounds manager, by e-mailing
CadmanH@meredith.edu.
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