The annual tree planting in honor of graduating seniors took place Tuesday morning at the WSU Alumni Arboretum.
The tree, a red flowering dogwood, was dedicated in memory of Jo Savage, a co-chair of the WSU Arboretum Committee and a long-time employee who recently died in a tragic accident in Spokane.
WSU President V. Lane Rawlins presided over the ceremony, which is sponsored by the WSU Horticultural Club and arboretum committee.
The club and former WSU President Sam Smith started the tree planting tradition in 1985. The trees originally were planted near the former entrance to campus between the president’s residence and Sloan Hall. They now are planted at the arboretum, and the committee has named the southeast corner of the arboretum the Presidential Tree Area.
Memorial gifts in Savage’s honor are being accepted to help plant more trees in the Alumni Arboretum. They will be receipted by the WSU Foundation.
Gifts should be sent to: Jo Savage Memorial Fund; c/o WSU Alumni Association; Lewis Alumni Centre; P.O. Box 646150; Pullman, WA 99164-6150
Next Story
WSU Global Campus student ambassador shines during #CougsGive Day
Aunjelique Andersen, a fully online student pursuing her degree in Media Innovation, ranked first on the #CougsGive Ambassador Leaderboard, inspiring 54 gifts through her outreach.
Recent News
WSU SURCA undergraduate researchers earn 65 awards
Seventy‑three students who participated in the Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities 2026 were awarded prizes totaling $14,000.
Inside WSU’s student-run hackathons
Hackathons have become a defining space for student innovation, with two taking center stage this year.
Undergrad researchers drive discovery in the College of Veterinary Medicine
Hands‑on research opportunities in the college are enabling students to contribute directly to major discoveries, including a recent Nature study.
New WSU raspberry breeder to continue career goal of helping farmers
Germán Sandoya-Miranda aims to develop improved varieties and work closely with growers to help Washington farmers boost yields and adapt to evolving challenges.
WSU Regent, longtime civic leader Sam Hunt dies following battle with leukemia
Hunt, a 1967 WSU graduate, devoted more than five decades to public service, education, and civic leadership across Washington.
WSU recognized for support of first-generation students
The university’s elevation to FirstGen Forward Network Champion reflects growing enrollment, improved retention, and expanded support programs helping first-generation students succeed.