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Southeastern Friendship Grove dedicated

As the Centennial year culminates, Southeastern held a dedication ceremony for Friendship Grove, located in Friendship Circle, on Thursday (Dec. 18).

Tonya Lowentritt

Carlos Doolittle plants a clone of Friendship Oak

As the Centennial year culminates, Southeastern held a dedication ceremony for Friendship Grove, located in Friendship Circle, on Thursday (Dec. 18).

Friendship Oak has long been at the heart of campus life. Generations of students have gathered under its branches. Lifelong friendships were formed there, including many marriage proposals.

A newly planted grove of young live oaks —some from acorns, others actual clones of Friendship Oak itself —marks the transformation of the beloved setting into Friendship Grove.

The living tribute to Southeastern’s past and future was established in honor of the university’s 100th anniversary. The mix of heritage and regeneration reflects Southeastern’s commitment to continuity and renewal. Embracing its beginnings, this naturalistic grove is rooted in shared history —growing together into Southeastern’s next century.

Southeastern dedicates Friendship Grove with ribbon cutting
FRIENDSHIP GROVE DEDICATED - Southeastern held a dedication ceremony for Friendship Grove, located in Friendship Circle, on Thursday (Dec. 18). Pictured, from left, are Vice President for Student Affairs Eric Summers, Assistant Director of Landscaping and Grounds Carlos Doolittle, Director of Facilities and Plant Operations Chris Asprion, Jessica Clark of Coca-Cola, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Eric Skipper, Miss Southeastern Eva Delatte, Alyssa Larose of Coca-Cola, Southeastern President William S. Wainwright, Aramark Food Service Director Shannon Hunt, Aramark District Manager Martin Balisteri, Vice President for Administration and Finance Sam Domiano, and Chief Marketing and Communications Officer Mike Rivault.
Carlos Doolittle plants a clone of Friendship Oak
NEW LIFE IN FRIENDSHIP CIRCLE - Southeastern held a dedication ceremony for Friendship Grove, located in Friendship Circle, on Thursday (Dec. 18). A grove of live oaks now marks the transformation of Friendship Oak into Friendship Grove. Pictured is Assistant Director of Landscape and Grounds Carlos Doolittle planting one of the clones of Friendship Oak.
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