Following the passing of our beloved Director, Charlie Doering, a group of students initiated a student-led plan to Name a Tree for Charlie as part of a program run by Matthaei Botanical Gardens/Nichols Arboretum.
With the love and support of approximately 130 unique individuals (that expanded to include friends, family and colleagues) we were able to to reach the required $2,500 that ensured we would have a designated tree in Charlie's honor, along with a commemorative tree tag for a period of 20 years.
Charlie's beloved wife Paula and his family were able to choose a tree, and they chose a Catalpa, with Paula stating 'There is a huge catalpa two doors over and from his favorite seat on the deck Charlie would make people stop and admire it.'
Read more about the fundraising for the tree here. It has been a few steps to complete the project, but just in time for spring and picnics, the plaque and tree are ready for viewing.
If you go to this page and type Charlie Doering (or Doering) in the search window - you will see where the tree is located.
Other news about the Charlie Doering Strategic Fund and the Charlie Tree Campaign:
Charlie Tree at 75%
Squares are filling up - 26%
Restart the Charlie Tree Campaign
Charlie Doering Strategic Fund Reaches Endowed Status
Setting up the Charlie Doering Strategic Fund
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The plaque reads:
Catalpa
Catalpa speciosa
Bignoniaceae
Native to Michigan and North America
in memory of Charlie Doering
Beloved Professor, colleague, friend, spouse, father, grandfather, rebel, and huge fan. Go Blue - beat everyone!