Across Truman State University’s campus there are many trees that have been dedicated to the memory of former members of the Truman State community. In addition to trees, there are also memorial shrubs and gardens located on campus. This page serves as a resource to remember these members and their memorials.
Memorial Lists
Trees & Shrubs
Aaron T. Berns
“1971-1992 In memory of Aaron T. Berns, 1991 National Qualifier Wrestling. God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference. Love, the Brothers of Phi Kappa Tau”
- Aaron was a student at Northeast Missouri State University, and a four year member of its wrestling squad. He lost his life in a car accident at the end of the spring semester.
- Red Barn Park (South of Natatorium)
- Pear (Pryrus calleryana)
John Buwalda Jr.
“In memory of John Buwalda Jr. 1972-1996”
- John was a student at Northeast Missouri State University, majoring in foreign languages. He was a member of Alpha Kappa Lambda Fraternity, French Fraternity, and was an Honor Student.
- Quad (North End)
- River Birch (Betula nigra)
Carl Guffey
“In memory of Carl Guffey, Superintendent of Grounds 1945-1968”
- South of Sunken Garden
- Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Emma J. Harvat
“In commemoration of Emma J. Harvat, (1870-1949) Kirksville businesswoman and first female mayor of a municipality over 10,000 citizens: Iowa City. Plating the seed of growth for women in civic leadership. Establish in response to Student Government Resolution 117.019”
- North of Ophelia Parrish Building
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Dr. Teresa M. Heckert
“The Heckert Oak. Dedicated on September 12, 2014. In loving memory of Dr. Teresa M. Heckert (September 12, 1986 – February 19, 2014). Professor of Psychology and Department Chair, Truman State University. Teacher, Mentor, Researcher, Colleague, Friend.”
- Red Barn Park (East of Bear Creek Bridge
- English Oak (Quercus robur)
Robert Scott “Smarsh” Marshall
“In loving memory of “Smarsh”. Friend and Brother”
- Robert Scott Marshall, who went by Scott, was a student at Northeast Missouri State University. He acquired the nickname Smarsh in school and it stuck with him. Scott was a music major and member of Phi Mu Alpha. He died in a car accident in summer 1994. Phi Mu Alpha planted a redbud in his memory in 1994-1995, and then a replacement tree (plum) that was dedicated on July 17, 2010.
- North of Baldwin Hall
- Plum (Prunus domestica)
Fred Schwengel
“To the Honorable Fred Schwengel. May 28, 1907 – April 1, 1993. A man who exemplified excellence. From the Men of Phi Sigma Kappa.”
- Ryle Commons (Northeast Corner)
- Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
John and Pat Semanek
“In memory of John and Pat Semanek, Class of 1949. Loving parents, grandparents and devoted supporters of Northeast Missouri State University and Truman State University”
- South of Pershing Building’s East Entrance
- Purpleleaf Plum (Prunus cerasifera)
Maureen Slaughter
“Planted in honor of Maureen Slaughter, retiring Director of Human Resources” *No Plaque Present
- Student Recreation Center (Southeast Corner)
- Rose of Sharon Shrubs (3) (Hibiscus syricus)
Tally Stephens
“In memory of Tally Stephens. 1970 – 1991. Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Others stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever, the same. You will be remembered in our hearts forever, tally. Love, your sisters in Alpha Sigma Alpha.”
- Tally was a student at Northeast Missouri State University who tragically lost her life in a car accident in 1991.
- Blanton Hall Courtyard (Southwest Corner)
- Pear (Pryrus calleryana)
Summer Lindsay Stoll
“In loving memory of Summer Lindsay Stoll. August 3, 1981 – April 13, 2001. “Always & Forever” Sigma Sigma Sigma”
- North of Fine Arts Building
- Eastern Redbud (Cercis canadensis)
Jim Peckosh
“In memory of Jim Peckosh”
- North of Baldwin Hall
- Red Maple (Acer rubrum “Karpick”)
Harold E. Thayer
“Landscaping a gift of Harold E. Thayer, Chief Executive Officer and President, Mallinckrodt Inc. St Louis, Missouri August 13, 1976”
- Between Baldwin Hall and Pickler Memorial Library
- Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
John Ware
“In loving memory of John Ware, dedicated husband, coach, teacher, & friend.”
- John came to Northeast Missouri State University in 1985 as an assistant football coach. He became Head Coach in 1995 and won 54 games over nine seasons before leaving to coach Missouri Southern State University. John passed away on September 27, 2005, the week Truman was to play the Lions in Joplin. John was inducted into the Truman Athletics Hall of Fame in 2008.
- Red Barn Park (South of Natatorium)
- Pin Oak (Quercus palustris)
Julie A. Weggesser
“This tree is planted in memory of Julie A. Weggesser. From Truman State University Accounting Club”
- Julie was a student at Truman State University and would have graduated from Truman in May 1997.
- Ryle Commons (Northeast Corner)
- Pear (Pryrus calleryana)
The Bicentennial Tree
“The Bicentennial Tree Commemorating 200 Years of Freedom. Dedicated by Graduate Class and Faculty of 1976, April 26, 1976”
- Quad (North of Kirk Memorial)
- Black Oak (Quercus velutina)
The President Paino Pear Tree
“The President Paino Pear Tree. A gift from the President’s Sustainability Action Committee, Presidential Installation. September 18, 2010”
- South of McClain Hall
- Pear (Pyrus communis)
Gardens
Jack C. Bowen
“Jack C. Bowen Memorial Garden. Teacher, role model, friend. April 9, 1936 – March 15, 2011”
- North of Pershing Building’s East Entrance
- Jack C. Bowen Memorial Garden, Kousa Dogwood (Cornus kousa)
Mary Louise (Buchanan) Dickerson
“In memory of Mary Louise (Buchanan) Dickerson, Class of 1945 – B. S. in Home Economics. Through a generous gift from her children and late husband J. Edward Dickerson.”
- South of McClain Hall
- Minnie Louise (Buchanan) Dickerson Garden Plot (Ginkgo biloba ‘Saratoga’)
Ron and Elsie Gaber
“This garden is dedicated to the outstanding Truman science faculty and residence life staff members who teach, challenge and serve students in a compassionate and nurturing spirit. Sponsored by Ron (’82) and Elsie (’87) Gaber.”
- South of Magruder Hall
- Gaber Solar Clock Garden
Roger J. Johnson
“Provided through generous support from alumni and friends in recognition of Roger’s 29 years of dedicated service to and support of Truman.”
- Mall
- The Roger J. Johnson Patio, Serviceberries (Amelanchier)
Jack Magruder
“In honor of Jack Magruder. Dedicated April 29, 2006”
- Quad (Northwest Corner)
- Omnicron Delta Kappa President’s Garden
Mary Rhodes and Jim Russell
“”Never Stop Learning” Mary Rhose Russell (’80) Former Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Missouri. “I am just happy to be here” Jim Russell Former Missouri State Representative”
- South of McClain Hall
- The Mary and Jim Russell Garden Plot, (Gingko biloba)
Denise L. Smith
“In memory of Denise L. Smith (’79) Director of Alumni Relations (2000-2017). By her Truman Family Sigma Sigma Sigma Bulldog Forever”
- Mall
- Denise L. Smith Garden Plot, Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacathos ‘Skyline var. inermis’)
Virginia Young Stanton
“Virginia Young Stanton 1903 – 1994. Virginia Young Stanton was the granddaughter of Samuel M. Pickler, for whom Pickler Memorial Library is named. Mrs. Stanton was born in Kirksville, Missouri, but later lived most of her life in Peeple Beach and Carmel Valley, California, where she was widely known and admired for her leadership in cultural, educational and charitable activities. Through her thoughtfulness and generosity, this garden was established as a fitting memorial to her grandfather, the University and her birthplace.”
- Quad (East of Pickler Memorial Library)
- Virginia Young Stanton Garden
Ron and Peggy Wellington
“In honor of Ron and Peggy Wellington. Thanks for Everything, Mom and Dad. By Dawn Wellington Tartaglione, D.O.”
- South of McClain Hall
- Ron and Peggy Wellington Garden Plot, (Ginkgo biloba ‘Saratoga’)