HLGU earns Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for 10th consecutive year

HANNIBAL, Mo. — Hannibal-LaGrange University has earned Tree Campus Higher Education recognition for the 10th year in a row.

Tree Campus Higher Education, an Arbor Day Foundation program, honors colleges and universities for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.

To obtain this distinction, HLGU’s campus has met the five core standards for sustainable campus forestry required by Tree Campus Higher Education:

• establishment of a tree advisory committee
• evidence of a campus tree care plan
• dedicated annual expenditures for the campus tree program
• an Arbor Day observance
• the sponsorship of student service learning projects.

In a press release, HLGU president Robert Matz said, “We are grateful to Tree Campus Higher Education for recognizing the natural beauty of Hannibal-LaGrange University. As Christians, we have a special responsibility to steward God’s creation. Being recognized with this honor represents the work of so many to make Hannibal-LaGrange a great place to come and study.”

HLGU celebrated Arbor Day on April 1, 2022 with a tree planting ceremony and dedication in honor of Delores Lorene Scarff, a musician and the mother of alum Glenda Franklin (Class of 1965). This tree was donated by Franklin’s friends.

HLGU plans to hold an Arbor Day celebration on April 28, 2023, where the campus will be honored by Tree Campus Higher Education campus along with local conservation authorities.

For more information on the Arbor Day Foundation or on how to become a supporter of HLGU’s tree campaign, contact Ray Carty at 573-629-3094 or rcarty@hlg.edu.