West Texas A&M University has been lauded for its sustained commitment to environmental stewardship.
WT recently was recognized as a 2019 Tree Campus USA by the Arbor Day Foundation. The recognition is part of a national program launched by the foundation in 2008 that honors colleges and universities and their leaders for promoting healthy trees and engaging students and staff in the spirit of conservation.
“We celebrate your diligence in improving the environment and quality of life at West Texas A&M University in 2019,” foundation president Dan Lambe wrote in a letter to WT President Walter Wendler. “We know that 2020 has brought unprecedented challenges — but you have shown that your commitment to trees is unwavering.”
WT met five core standards to merit the distinction: establishment of a tree advisory committee, evidence of a campus tree-care plan, dedicated annual expenditures for its campus tree program and sponsorship of student service leadership projects.
“We are proud to receive this honor, and not only because it reflects our commitment to being good, responsible stewards of our beautiful corner of the Texas Panhandle,” said grounds manager Larry Bedwell. “We also know that students and faculty decide within the first 15 minutes of a visit to campus whether to join the university family, so a dedication to campus beautification also is an investment in our future. Plus, a sustainable campus beautification effort can be a source of inspiration having a positive impact on student behavior and academic performance.”
The Tree Campus USA program was rebranded as Tree Campus Higher Education for 2020 and beyond.
Responsiveness to the Texas Panhandle’s geography makes WT distinctive and ties into the University’s generational plan, WT 125: From the Panhandle to the World.
-West Texas A&M University