HIGH POINT, N.C., April 14, 2014 – High Point University will continue its tradition of celebrating its arboretum, gardens and vibrant campus by holding the annual Arbor Day Celebration. An afternoon of recognition and dedications will begin at 4 p.m. on April 24 in the David R. Hayworth University Park on the HPU campus. The event is open to the public. RSVP is required by April 22 to reservations@highpoint.edu or 336-841-9209.
Highlighting the events will be a special presentation from the North Carolina Forest Service. David Masters, Guilford County Ranger for the North Carolina Department of Agriculture Forest Service, will present HPU with the title of “Tree Campus USA” for the fifth consecutive year.
In the last year, 800 plants have been added to campus to continue maintaining and cultivating a healthy landscape. To celebrate these accomplishments and more, nearly 200 dahlias will be given to members of the community during the event.
Other events during the celebration will include a ceremonial tree dedication by Jon Roethling, curator of the grounds, and Mike Tuttle, manager of parent relationships. First Lady Mariana Qubein, who has spearheaded the transformation of the Arboretum and Botanical Gardens, will preside over the event. HPU President Nido Qubein will also take part.
“This celebration is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the dramatic strides the gardens and arboretum have made, as well as a wonderful opportunity to thank those who make it possible,” says Roethling. “This year in particular we are seeing many of the gardens come into their own in terms of maturity.”
Presentations will also be given by students, faculty, staff, and volunteers who contribute to the campus gardens. Speakers include: The Rev. Preston Davis, minister to the university; Matt Mahoney, campus enhancement landscape manager; Dr. Don Scarborough, vice president for community relations; Dr. Gerald Smith, professor of biology; Adrian Boggs, instructor of design; Courtney Peck, student president of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority; and Raylene Fealy, community volunteer.
Parking and Shuttle service will be available in the lower Millis parking lot on Panther Drive (formerly West College Drive).The HPU community gathers each year to celebrate Arbor Day, which originated in 1872 in Nebraska City, Neb. by J. Sterling Morton. The holiday encourages groups and individuals to plant and care for trees. HPU continues to enhance its 350-acre campus by adding trees and gardens.