Living Tribute Program

Tribute Opportunities

The Living Tribute Program is a unique and lasting way to celebrate a loved one while promoting the continued transformation of the University campus for generations of students to enjoy.

The University offers multiple tribute opportunities which provide support for the care and maintenance of our magnolias, bur oaks, native vegetation in the stone planters and the reflecting pools.

The Gift of a Tree

Give the gift of a tribute tree to memorialize a loved one, commemorate a special occasion (wedding anniversary or milestone birthday), or honor a personal accomplishment or retirement.

Each tribute tree gift includes:

A plaque by the tree with the name of the person(s) or entity honored.
Recognition on our Living Tribute Program website and on the online interactive map.

Bur Oaks on the Circle

The 33 bur oak trees lining the traffic circle are a welcoming sight for everyone entering campus via the main Campbell Road entrance.

Available for Naming: 16
Minimum Gift: $5,000

Namings and Availability

Bur Oaks Tributes

In memory of Charlotte M. Bowling
In memory of Susie Strzelec Buda
Class of 2009
Curt Eley
McDermott Scholars Nate Fairbank BS’15 and Nancy Fairbank BA’17
In honor of Dr. Donald A. Hicks
Joyce R. Johnson BGS’83 and Bruce C. Johnson MA’84
In honor of Dan Johnson
In memory of Hudson Aaron Moncrief
Amanda Rockow MA’12 and Jeff Rockow
In honor of Colleen Brown Smith
Susan Rogers and Doug Swanson
Allan A. Saxe *
In honor of Hobson Wildenthal
In memory of Dr. John Wiorkowski
In memory of Scott Wuensch
In honor of Chief Larry Zacharias

*Deceased

Magnolias on the
Margaret McDermott Mall

A total of 116 magnolias flank the reflecting pools, extending the full length of the mall. As the trees mature, they provide welcome shade from the Texas sun.

Available for Naming: 97
Minimum Gift: $10,000

Namings and Availability

Magnolia Tributes

In memory of Jimmy Alcorn BS’80
In honor of Judy Barnes
In honor of Brian J. L. Berry
In honor of Paula Bratt
In memory of Dr. Cyrus D. Cantrell III
Stefanie and Aaron Conley
Susan and David Daniel
G6 Hospitality
Calvin D. Jamison Sr.
In honor of Dr. Scherry Johnson
In memory of John Forrest Kain
In memory of Dean Bert Moore
James and Patricia Mitchell
Stephanie and Philip Ritter
In honor of Judy Snellings
Claudia Tatum
Hobson Wildenthal
In memory of Victor Worsfold

The Gift of a Stone Planter

Each stone planter gift includes:

A plaque in the stone planter with the name of the person(s) or entity honored.
Recognition on our Living Tribute Program website and on the online interactive map.

Stone Planters on the Circle

The stone planters are prominently located at the head of the Margaret McDermott Mall. Each planter is encircled in limestone blocks and measures more than 26 feet across. The planters are filled with native red yuccas, providing a colorful and welcoming statement to campus visitors.

Available for Naming: 4
Minimum Gift: $50,000

Namings and Availability

A Gift of Reflection

Each reflecting pool gift includes:

A brass plaque on the south end of the reflecting pool with the name of the person(s) or entity honored.
Recognition on our Living Tribute Program website and on the online interactive map.

Reflecting Pools on the
Margaret McDermott Mall

The reflecting pools formed the central core of the enhancement project, stretching from the Naveen Jindal School of Management, pass the Student Union, ending at the Eugene McDermott Library. The total length of the pools exceeds 600 feet. In times of drought, the pools can be drained to reveal a surface that resembles a dry Texas creek bed.

Available for Naming: 3
Minimum Gift: $100,000

Namings and Availability