UVA Darden Dedicates Faculty Forest to Honor Emeritus Professors

In a ceremony held in the Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens on 24 April, the University of Virginia Darden School of Business dedicated the Faculty Forest, a tribute to the enduring influence of its emeritus faculty members.

“In dedicating the Faculty Forest, we celebrate you, the individuals who have built the School and the cyclical narrative of growth, renewal and enduring fortitude that each tree embodies,” said Dean Scott Beardsley. “This forest, with its roots entrenched in the heritage of Darden and branches reaching to the sky, symbolizes our collective journey and commitment to cultivating the future leaders that will make the world a better place, standing tall through seasons of change.”

The Faculty Forest features 25 trees dedicated either in honor or memory of distinguished professors who have contributed significantly to the School’s legacy. Those honored attendees included Sam Bodily, Dick Brownlee, Bob Bruner, Jim Clawson, Bob Conroy, Ken Eades, Jim Freeland, Sherwood Frey, Ed Hess, Bob Landel, Phil Pfeifer, Bob Sack, Bill Sihler and Elliott Weiss.

Beardsley announced that trees would soon be dedicated to Darden’s upcoming retiring faculty members — Barbara Millar, Jeanne Liedtka, Mark Haskins and Lynn Isabella.

“Barbara, with her roots deep in leadership and innovation, has helped shape the future leaders of our community,” Beardsley said. “Like a towering oak, Jeanne has spread the canopy of design thinking, providing shelter for new ideas and growth. Like a steadfast maple, Mark has offered the sweet sap of financial insight, nourishing minds with knowledge. And Lynn, resembling the resilient elm, has supported the growth of strong, adaptable leaders ready to weather any storm.”

To further enhance this tribute, Darden has launched an interactive geospatial website. Created by UVA Facilities Management’s Geospatial Engineering Services team, this tool allows visitors to engage with the landscape, learning about the stories and achievements each tree represents and all the various featured spaces within the larger Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens.

Learn more about dedicating a tree in honor or memory of someone or naming opportunities within the Arboretum & LaCross Botanical Gardens. For tailored guidance, contact Deputy Vice President for Advancement Samantha Hartog at +1-434-981-4025 or HartogS@darden.virginia.edu.