Tree planted in honor of graduating class
PULLMAN, Wash. – President Elson S. Floyd joined members of the Horticulture Club and others Wednesday for the annual tradition of planting a tree in honor of graduating seniors.
A red horse chestnut tree donated by the club was planted on the hillside north of the Lewis Alumni Centre, part of the Washington State University Arboretum.
The tradition began in 1985 with former President Sam Smith. The trees originally were planted near the former entrance to campus between the president’s residence and Sloan Hall.
A committee that oversees the arboretum selects the tree variety. Trees are planted in the arboretum, and the committee has named the southeast corner of the arboretum the Presidential Tree Area.
