Alpha Zeta Walk: Student explains campus tree removal

posted in: Opinion | 0

There’s a lot of history around Pacific’s campus. From the building of Old College Hall to the history that is unfolding now at Cascade Hall, there is so much around campus you can learn from.

There is one place on campus in particular that is special for me, though. This was the line of trees that were planted between Jefferson and Warner Halls called the Alpha Zeta Walk.

For many of us on campus, this walkway has a very important place in our hearts. Not only is this a walkway maintained by the Alpha Zeta fraternity, there is meaning behind it many are unaware of.

Each one of those trees that lined the walkway represented seven Pacific students that fought and died in World War II.

Erected in 1948, those trees were planted as a memorial for those brave students who risked their lives to protect our country.

This summer, however, those trees had to be removed for safety issues. The trees along the walk had a 60-year lifespan and after 66 years, it would have been unfortunate to have trees that were a memorial for fallen soldiers cause an injury for an innocent bystander.

Plans are in place to replace those trees. I have been contacted by many alumni who are upset about the removal of the trees. However, once the situation is explained, the alumni understand.

This whole situation has really shown me how much our alumni still keep in touch with Pacific and how much this campus really means to them.

Pacific really is a special place for both current and former students.

There is so much history at this university that is appreciated by many generations of students, and that is what I think makes Pacific unique.

So next time you are walking around campus, take a look around. What may seem like simply trees may have a much greater meaning than just that.

– Ryan Newman, Alpha Zeta fraternity president

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