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Type of Memorial

Memorial Planting

In Memoriam

Mathias, Andy

Location

West of old Landscape Architecture Building (Former location: East of Bessey Hall)

Plaque Text

Notes

The memorial Tree, a White Oak (Quercus alba), was planted on April 28, 1999 in memory of Andy Mathias by his friends in the Forestry Club and Department of Forestry. Andy was an undergraduate student in Forestry and was an exceptional leader who always went the extra mile for the Forestry Club. He was also an accomplished student scholar. Andy died tragically in an automobile accident in January, 1999. The Forestry Club Involvement Award was renamed after Andy to keep alive his spirit and honor his involvement. This student-generated scholarship recognizes a forestry student who provides exceptional service and leadership to the Club. The following poem by Joyce Kilmer was read at the memorial service and oak tree dedication: Trees I think that I shall never see A poem as lovely as an Oak tree. A tree whose hungry mouth is prest Against the earth’s sweet flowing breast; A tree that looks at God all day, And lifts her leafy arms to pray; A tree that may in Summer wear A nest of robins in her hair; Upon whose bosom snow has lain; Who intimately lives with rain. Poems are made by fools like me, But only God can make an Oak tree.