Tree to be Planted to Honor WSU Graduating Seniors

PULLMAN, Wash. — The Washington State University Horticultural Club and the WSU Arboretum Committee will plant and dedicate a tree at 3:30 p.m. May 3 to honor WSU’s graduating seniors.

The dedication will take place at the WSU arboretum located east of Hulbert Hall and north of the Lewis Alumni Centre. WSU President V. Lane Rawlins and Vice President of Business Affairs Greg Royer will be present for the dedication as well as appointed members of the WSU Arboretum Committee.

The tree chosen to honor the graduates is a Persian parrotia, a relative of northern Iran‘s witch hazel tree. The tree will grow anywhere from 20 to 40 feet high and is known for its red, yellow and orange foliage.

The WSU Horticulture Club and former WSU President Sam Smith started the tree planting tradition in 1985. The trees were originally planted near the former entrance to campus between the president’s residence and Sloan Hall. The trees are now planted at the arboretum as the tradition now involves the WSU Arboretum Committee in addition to the Horticulture Club.

For more information, contact Horticulture Club Co-Adviser Larry Hiller, (509) 335-3446, hillerl@wsu.edu.