Spring Break
Tree planted for late students
American Basswood tree planted to honor UConn students who've died
Christopher Duray
Issue date: 4/2/09 Section: News
Around 5 p.m., members of USG and President Michael Hogan gathered around a bare American Basswood tree outside Manchester hall. Though the wind continued unabated, the blue sky and vibrant sun - which had illuminated the rush of the campus all Wednesday afternoon - had long since sputtered away to a dark pallor of baleful clouds.
It was under this shadow that students gathered, sitting at straight attention to attend the dedication ceremony of that tree to the UConn students who lost their lives while attending the university.
The tree, a donation from Operation Services' Landscaping Department, served as a backdrop to speeches from Hogan, and USG officials that had lost friends over the years. The president was the first to speak, calling the erection of the tree a "magnificent gesture," and noted that in a time of potential, like college, the death of a student is particularly shocking.
"Yesterday our eyes were at the sky, and today they are cast on the ground," he said.
Hogan urged students to recall that while the loss of colleagues and friends is harsh, it reminds survivors to be mindful of the present, and where their lives lead.
"Every day our own future grows, just like this tree," he said.
USG President Meredith Zaritheny gave a speech also, recalling her friend Carlee Wines, who had been fatally struck by a drunk driver two years ago. Zaritheny said she hoped the tree would remind students to cherish their friends.
"Friendship, the connections you make; intangible moments like this are the essence of life," she said.
Former USG President Ryan McHardy eulogized USG members Adam Szychowski and Vladimir Voinov, both of whom died within the last two years.
"I hate clichés about life being short, carpe diem, the good die young etc., etc.," McHardy said. "These men were timeless, and of the most unique intellect and character I have ever encountered … I am certainly a better person for knowing them."
It was under this shadow that students gathered, sitting at straight attention to attend the dedication ceremony of that tree to the UConn students who lost their lives while attending the university.
The tree, a donation from Operation Services' Landscaping Department, served as a backdrop to speeches from Hogan, and USG officials that had lost friends over the years. The president was the first to speak, calling the erection of the tree a "magnificent gesture," and noted that in a time of potential, like college, the death of a student is particularly shocking.
"Yesterday our eyes were at the sky, and today they are cast on the ground," he said.
Hogan urged students to recall that while the loss of colleagues and friends is harsh, it reminds survivors to be mindful of the present, and where their lives lead.
"Every day our own future grows, just like this tree," he said.
USG President Meredith Zaritheny gave a speech also, recalling her friend Carlee Wines, who had been fatally struck by a drunk driver two years ago. Zaritheny said she hoped the tree would remind students to cherish their friends.
"Friendship, the connections you make; intangible moments like this are the essence of life," she said.
Former USG President Ryan McHardy eulogized USG members Adam Szychowski and Vladimir Voinov, both of whom died within the last two years.
"I hate clichés about life being short, carpe diem, the good die young etc., etc.," McHardy said. "These men were timeless, and of the most unique intellect and character I have ever encountered … I am certainly a better person for knowing them."
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