University holds tree planting ceremony, distributes oak seedlings to community

^{Nine-year-old Ella Pulliam receives a northern red oak seedling from Melina Rogers, Carson-Newman administrative assistant, during C-N’s tree planting ceremony and festival. The Monday event helped celebrate Carson-Newman’s name change from “College” to “University.” The history of the University is tied to its founders meeting under an oak tree in Jefferson County to discuss the need for an institution of Christian higher education in the area over 160 years ago.}

On March 11, Carson-Newman University held a tree planting ceremony and festival in celebration of the institution’s official transition from College to University. The event centered around 162 oak trees to commemorate C-N’s 162 years of Christian higher education. While a sapling was planted on campus, 161 oak seedlings were distributed to the community members, organizations, and schools.

David Tuell, chair of C-N’s staff council, which sponsored the event, said that despite the afternoon rains, he thought the event was a success. “I think it came together well as we helped to make a mark on the history of the University,” said Tuell. We hope that the trees we handed out will be enjoyed by generations to come, and will be a reminder of Carson-Newman to the community.”

The event was one of five planned throughout the semester to help celebrate “Carson-Newman University.” A faculty sponsored event will be held on April 11 and feature the unveiling of a permanent display on campus.