The three trees are planted on the college's east side.

Friday, 21 February 2003

Representatives from the UA colleges of Science, Agriculture and Life Sciences, and Engineering and Mines honored the three nursing faculty who lost their lives on Oct. 28, 2002 as heroes at a tree-planting ceremony on Feb. 20.

Families of Cheryl McGaffic, Barbara Monroe and Robin Rogers, and College of Nursing representatives were present at the ceremony and memorial planting. About 125 faculty, staff and students from the college of Nursing and all areas of the University also attended the dedication and reception.

David E. Cox, associate dean of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, said he hoped the newly planted trees that will grow deep roots, strong trunks and leaves that will provide cooling shade would be an honorable commemorative of the University's fallen comrades for years to come.

College of Science Dean Joaquin Ruiz said it was a twist of fate that brought the three colleges together in the commemorative planting. Members of the three college were independently considering how best to remember their colleagues. One day they met in the hall and shared their ideas only to realize they all had the same idea - to plant a tree since as a gift of life.

Mountain States Wholesale Nurseries donated the three white-flowered Mexican orchid trees (Bauhinia mexicana). The patio-sized, heat-tolerant trees are the first of their species to be planted on the campus. University of Arizona Provost George Davis also presented a commemorative plaque to College of Nursing Dean Marjorie A. Isenberg.

In addition, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences prepared bags of citrus from Associated Citrus Packers of Yuma to each of the faculty, staff and students in the nursing program. Libby Davison, director of the UA Campus Arboretum, coordinated the donations.

Other University representatives who spoke at the dedication were Kenneth J. Ryan, interim dean at he College of Medicine; Eugene G. Sander vice provost of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and Thomas W. Peterson, dean of the College of Engineering and Mines.