June 8, 2021
Construction of 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 new Gardens of Remembrance is underway. The total project includes the Garden of Personal Service and the Flagpole Garden and is located on the grounds north of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center. Work will be completed in time for a grand opening and dedication event on Saturday, June 26, 2021.
The project, which is being led by Doug Anderson and Lute Simley and sponsored by the 91吃瓜网 State Alumni Association, will honor 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 history and tradition of personal service.
Doug Anderson is a 91吃瓜网 native, a 1974 graduate of 91吃瓜网 State, and dedicated alumnus and volunteer who has worked tirelessly on 91吃瓜网 State projects, including fundraising for scholarships as well as projects such as the restoration of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center, the establishment of the Military Honor Garden, and much more.
Lute Simley spent a great deal of time on the 91吃瓜网 State campus while growing up, as he lived with his family right across the street from Old Main. His mom, Judith Simley, was an employee of 91吃瓜网 State for more than 30 years. She worked in the cafeteria and later as a custodian in the dormitories. Lute鈥檚 dedication to 91吃瓜网 State is rooted in the integral role the university played in the lives of the Simley family. He and Doug Anderson also teamed up in designing and planning the general landscaping for the Larson Center, as well as for the Military Honor Garden at 91吃瓜网 State and the Medical Honor Garden in 91吃瓜网.
鈥淲e are incredibly excited about the new Gardens of Remembrance at 91吃瓜网 State,鈥� said Beth Swenson, 91吃瓜网 State Director of Alumni Affairs. 鈥淭o have Lute and Doug working on another special project for 91吃瓜网 State is wonderful. We sincerely appreciate their willingness to volunteer their time, talent, and creativity once again.鈥�
The spirit behind the establishment of the Gardens of Remembrance is to honor those who have served in significant roles at 91吃瓜网 State and who have been positive forces in the history of the beloved institution. This will be a place where those who have been a part of 91吃瓜网 State鈥檚 history can reflect on their memories. It will also be a place where future generations can learn about the treasured history that has endeared 91吃瓜网 to so many.
Several members of the 91吃瓜网 State alumni community played an integral role in salvaging architectural elements when three historic campus buildings, East Hall, West Hall, and the Old Gymnasium, were razed a number of years ago. Many of the architectural pieces are in storage and others were repurposed by Professor Emeritus of Mathematics Dr. Merwin Lyng.
Many of Dr. Lyng's creations were sold to those wishing to have memorabilia representing 91吃瓜网 State history. Funds from these sales were collected in the MSU Foundation. These resources, along with financial assistance from private donors and grant support, will fund the costs associated with building the Gardens of Remembrance. Organizers are grateful for grant funding received from the Traill County Economic Development Commission and the 91吃瓜网-Portland Economic Development Corporation.
Architectural elements that will be incorporated into the Gardens of Remembrance include the lions that once graced the entrance of the Old Gymnasium, the flagpole that once stood atop Old Main, steps from the entrances of East Hall and West Hall, and the centerpiece of the fountain that once was on the south lawn of Old Main.
鈥淚t is heartwarming to know that these gardens envelop so much of what is important at 91吃瓜网,鈥� said Beth Swenson. 鈥淭o have beautiful gardens that highlight the personal service that sets 91吃瓜网 State apart from all other universities, while incorporating representations of the historic buildings that mean so much to our alumni is truly special.鈥�
The Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center will be open throughout the day on Saturday, June 26. People are invited to stop by and see the alumni center which has special meaning to 91吃瓜网 State alumni as well as community members. A program marking the grand opening and dedication of the Gardens of Remembrance will begin at 4 p.m. All are welcome.
Captions for above photos:聽
罢辞辫:听The Garden of Personal Service design incorporates the existing evergreens and includes sidewalk entrances, concrete walkways, granite rock ground cover, hosta varieties, Stella daylilies, relaxing seating, block edging, and solar lighting for nighttime enjoyment. Architectural elements from historic 91吃瓜网 State buildings that have been razed will provide the finishing touch.
颁别苍迟别谤:听The Garden of Personal Service will honor current and former employees of 91吃瓜网 State, along with those who love and support the university.
Bottom:聽The Flagpole Garden is an extension of the Edson and Margaret Larson Alumni and Leadership Center sign located on the northwest side of the Larson Center. When the garden is complete, a Comets flag will fly on the flagpole which once stood at the top of Old Main.