Florida Tech’s already verdant campus just got a little greener.
On a warm, sunny Thursday that reminded attendees why shade matters, Florida Tech’s tree population grew by two: a Southern Magnolia and a gumbo limbo were planted near the Crawford building as the university celebrated Arbor Day and its designation, again, as a Tree Campus USA.
“This tree will serve as our symbolic representation for years to come as we pass by our beautiful campus,” said Kathy Villegas Murillas, co-chair of the University Sustainability Council, about the magnolia.
President John Nicklow said Florida Tech has long prized – and taught about – a healthy, sustainable environment.
“For 65 years, Florida Tech has educated students about the importance and, yes, fragile nature of our natural world,” President John Nicklow told guests at the tree planting, who included Florida Tech Trustee Elizabeth J. Swann, Melbourne Mayor Paul Alfrey, Vice Mayor Yvonne Minus and City Manager Jenny Lamb, Cape Canaveral Chief Resilience Officer Zachary Eichholz ’16, ’19 M.S. and West Melbourne City Council member John Dittmore.
Nicklow continued, “Through education, we inspire; through research we seek innovative solutions to some of our planet’s biggest challenges. So on behalf of all of us at Florida Tech, we are so proud to plant these trees today and renew our commitment to continue caring for our natural environment.”
