The university's flora has long been a reference for teaching and research in fields such as horticulture and dendrology. That resource promises to continue to thrive and improve, thanks to a coordinated effort among the Department of Plant and Soil Science, UVM Development's Commemorative Tree Planting Plan, and the Grounds Department of Physical Plant. Approximately 250 trees, shrubs, and benches on campus stand in honor or in memory of alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the university. The plantings, notes Joan Kieran, stewardship coordinator in UVM Development, provide a living memorial that contributes to both form and function on campus. By more closely coordinating the commemorative tree selections with the teaching and research needs of the university, the program not only beautifies the campus but has a direct impact on the university's academic mission.
Many professors use the trees on campus for teaching purposes and for their own research.
In addition to sponsoring a planting in honor of or as a memorial to an individual, alumni can become involved with the program by making contributions in support of existing plantings on campus. So the stage was set for an April 22 debate that filled the Marsh Life Sciences Auditorium to capacity with more than four hundred students, faculty, and staff. Will Miller, assistant professor of philosophy, and senior Justin Parmett, a regional debate champion, took the position that the United States should end its role as the world's police force. Robert Kaufman, associate professor of political science, and senior Robert Pontbriand, vice president of the Student Government Association, argued to uphold the status quo. Pontbriand, who traveled to Serbia in 1997 as part of a debate program, said he was inspired by seeing four hundred students turn out for a Thursday night debate.