Monuments & Memorials

As we rush from classroom to classroom on a typical day at Dalton State it is easy to walk unknowingly past the many memorials dedicated to students, faculty, and benefactors that have made contributions to both our institution and the greater Dalton community. The majority of these memorials are trees, living dedications to the names of those who have gone before. As you walk the campus take time to stop and reflect upon the meaning behind these memorials and see them as more than just one more tree or bench among many. 

The first memorial tree was the gift of a ‘Fireglow’ Japanese Maple from Dr. David Hay, former Dean of Admissions, in memory of his son David Forrest Hay in 1996. This bright burgundy maple was planted beside the walkway on the hill leading from Sequoya Hall to Peeples Hall. The most recent dedication is the ‘Natchez’ Crepe Myrtle which was planted in April 2011 next to the Boulder to honor Dalton State Biology professor Rosemarie Barkus who passed away in November 2010. 

Individuals or groups wishing to dedicate a tree begin the process with a donation for the cost of the tree to the Dalton State business office along with a request, if desired, for a specific type of tree. Placement of the tree is determined by Head Groundskeeper Lynn Morse and her staff based on the location of utilities, available sunlight, and future construction considerations. Some memorials have been moved from their original sites such as the ‘Viridis’ Japanese Maple donated in memory of former Academic Dean Wayne Bell. First placed at the entrance to the Roberts Library, this tree was moved to the common area between Gignilliat Memorial Hall and the Lorberbaum Building and a plaque was placed on an adjoining rock. Across the walkway from the Bell memorial is another Japanese Maple, a gift to Dalton State in appreciation from Yukiko Masuda of Kobe, Japan who studied here from January 1999 to May 2001. 

The greatest single benefactor to the memorial tree program has been former Physical Education instructor Sally Addis. Ms. Addis has generously donated funds for nine trees in memory of family members as well as faculty members with whom she served. Her maples, elms, redwoods, and Yoshino cherry trees grace the tennis courts, athletic track, and the west side of Gignilliat Memorial Hall. But not all of the trees are dedicated to loved ones that have gone before us. Physical Education instructor Cheryl Grayson donated a Black Gum to commemorate the first birthday of her son, Tim. 

In addition to the many trees planted for their sentimental and spiritual value, there are also trees that have been gifts to the college that reflect their own intrinsic value. Two American Chestnut trees, gifts of the American Chestnut Foundation, are planted in the lawn on the east side of Gignilliat Memorial Hall. These hardwoods, once prevalent throughout the woodlands of the Eastern United States, were nearly wiped out by a deadly blight in the first half of the 20th Century. By 1940 almost the entire population of this stately tree, known for its strong wood and as a food source, had been essentially eradicated from the forests of north Georgia. Thanks to crossbreeding with the Chinese Chestnut, the American Chestnut Association has produced a hybrid that is 15/16 genetically pure. This gift to Dalton State, on behalf of Mary Belle Price allows us to be part of the efforts to revive this American icon. 

There are other venues on our campus that honor our past in addition to the memorial trees. Structural monuments also serve as remembrances to our predecessors and their legacy. On November 3, 2011 Dalton State President John Schwenn presided over the dedication of four granite benches in the plaza between the Student Center and Sequoya Hall. These benches, along with memorial plaques, were dedicated to the memory of the four local business leaders , Tom Swift, John Tibbs, Glen Bevil, and Tom Lambert who donated the 163 acres of farmland upon which Dalton Junior College was founded. 

On a cold, rainy December 13, 2002, the faculty of Dalton State’s Sequoya Hall paid tribute to the memory of two of their colleagues with the dedication of the swing nestled among the trees between Roberts Library and Sequoyah Hall overlooking the campus stream. Drs. Arvine Phelps and Bob Cooper were among the first educators to join the staff of Dalton Junior College and honored this institution with long and distinguished careers. In his remarks at the dedication ceremony, Biology Professor Dr. John Lugthart noted that the swing and its location seemed an appropriate memorial for the two men since they both loved the outdoors and had a gift for relaxing and conversation that put people at ease. 

 All of the memorials and monuments that endow our campus are reminders that a college is more than just students, classrooms and books; it also contains a living memory of past individuals that have contributed to our growth and can help guide us to the future. It is much too easy in our hectic  lives to pass by these reminders of Dalton State’s rich history. Taking the time to stop and reflect upon the meaning behind these legacies can  strengthen your own connection to Dalton State and help to increase your appreciation for her heritage of service. 

 For a list of all memorial trees contact Lynn Morse at lmorse@daltonstate.edu.