Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe leads the dedication ceremony for the Legacy Grove on Arbor Day, April 29.

Indiana University East marked Arbor Day with the dedication and planting of several trees in the new Legacy Grove, located between Hays Hall and Tom Raper Hall, on April 29.

The dedication was officiated by Chancellor Kathy Cruz-Uribe and organized by Staff Council’s Ways and Means committee including Joni Thornburg, financial aid advisor; Pat Doughty, administrative secretary; Judy Ford, communications specialist for the Area 9 Agency; Star Johnson, support staff; and Linda Melody-Cottongim, administrative secretary, chair of the committee and organizer of the Tree Campus USA project.

The Legacy Grove will help to replace the many trees on campus destroyed by the Emerald Ash Borer. A majority of the trees grown on campus are Ash and Cedar. The trees planted at the event will help add diversity, as well as represent the diversity of the campus itself. In addition, trees reduce carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, and create relaxing green spaces to enjoy.

“We have done research on these trees and soil testing to make sure the area we have selected will allow them to prosper and grow,” Thornburg said. “Trees benefit the environment and the campus by providing a relaxing setting for everyone to enjoy.”

Sally Grohsmeyer, widow of IU East’s first director, Fred Grohsmeyer, was an honored guest at the dedication ceremony for the Legacy Grove. The School of Social Work planted two Tulip trees in honor of the Grohsmeyers.

Fred Grohsmeyer served as director from 1971-1975, while also serving as a professor of psychology. He was awarded the title of Emeritus Professor in 1992. He passed away in July 2012. Sally Grohsmeyer dedicated many years to the School of Social Work, and created an endowment for students. The Sally Grohsmeyer Social Work Scholarship is awarded to students who are seeking a degree in the area of Social Work and who are in good academic standing. Sally Grohsmeyer was accompanied by their daughter, Peggy Judson.

“It’s so satisfying, having been in on the beginning, and now seeing how the school has grown,” Sally Grohsmeyer said.

IU East will apply for Tree Campus USA status in December. If accepted, IU East will be the first regional campus in the IU system to attain that honor. The tree planting and Arbor Day celebration will complete the final requirements for membership. Tree Campus USA is a program of the Arbor Day Foundation. More information regarding the program can be found at arborday.org/programs/treecampususa/.

Funds raised from this year’s Senior Class Challenge provided fencing to protect the trees from deer. The Office of Physical Facilities provided manpower to drive the posts, haul mulch, connect the water source, and to beautify the area. The committee thanks Darrin Moore, Jeremy Phenis, and Robert Fethim for all their hard work in making this event possible.

Contributions for the Legacy Grove were provided by:

• Staff Council, purchased trees from the Arbor Foundation.
• Neil Sabine, dean of the School of Natural Science and Mathematics, and Linda Melody-Cottongim; Tulip Tree
• Ed Fitzgerald, director of the School of Social Work and Linda Melody-Cottongim; Shellbark Hickory
• Chad and Rhonda Rinehart; Pink Dogwood
• Class of 2016 provided all fencing material and commitment to future upkeep.
• Andy and Diana Fahl, donation of supplies.
• The DNR Nursery in Vallonia, Ind., donated 50 Persimmon trees to giveaway to participants.

The Legacy Grove includes:

• Fred Grohsmeyer, Tulip. Planted by Amanda Vance, assistant director of Campus Life; Angela Callahan, special projects coordinator for External Affairs; and Linda Melody-Cottongim, senior administrative secretary to the School of Social Work.
• School of Social Work, Tulip. Planted by Ed Fitzgerald, director of the School of Social Work, and students Bobbi Roberts, Julie Stingley, Jennifer Baldwin, and Marni Sorrell.
• School of Business and Economics, American Beech. Planted by Darla Lane, assistant to the Dean and Graduate Admissions coordinator; Tim Scales, director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and senior lecturer; and Amber Hall, administrative secretary for the Office of Academic Affairs.
• Informatics, White Oak. Planted by Karla Stevenson, administrative specialist, for the School of Business and Economics; and student Michael Sanders.
• School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Northern Catalpa. Planted by Steven Petersheim, assistant professor of English; Melissa Blankenship, visiting faculty in English; Denise Bullock, associate professor of sociology; and students Caleb Warner and Lindsey Dirkson.
• School of Natural Science and Mathematics, Kousa Dogwood. Planted by Diana Fahl, administrative specialist and president of Staff Council; and student Bre Nowak.
• School of Education, Sassafras. Planted by Dean Jerry Wilde; Carla Bowen, advisor and instructor; and student Allison Washingon-Lacey.
• School of Nursing and Health Sciences: Red Maple. Planted by Carmen Wilson, administrative specialist to the School of Nursing and Health Sciences; Lisa Hohman, administrative secretary for the Office of the Chancellor; and Kim Ladd, executive secretary for the Office of Academic Affairs.
• General Studies, Shellbark Hickory. Planted by Star Johnson, senior accounts specialist; Angela Moody, administrative assistant; and Joe Griffin, director of athletics.
• Purdue Polytechnic Richmond, Pink Dogwood. Planted by Jan Tyler, visiting assistant professor of organizational leadership, and student Christian Lewis.