Drake received the Tree Campus USA Award for 2016. Consideration of this prestigious award is in part due to student involvement in the tree program on campus. On Monday, April 17, approximately 20 students donated their time to plant eight trees west of the Goodwin Kirk parking lot along 30th street. There were seven 5-6 foot white pines and one 15-gallon Swamp White Oak trees planted by the students, and led by Aaron Harpold, Drakes certified arborist. In addition to the students donating their time, they purchased and donated two of the trees. Facilities Planning and Management would like to thank Aaron Harpold, Sophia Siegel, and Jamie Wall for organizing the student event and for their contributions to keep the Drake campus beautiful!

—Aaron Edwards, Building and Grounds Manager