Dear Friends of Cameron,

During recent years, our campus has undergone a striking physical transformation, with major construction of state-of-the-art facilities creating an impressive skyline and beautiful grounds combining to establish a truly unique university atmosphere.  This transformation is defined by trees, hundreds of which were planted in recent years through the overwhelming generosity of Regent Jon Stuart from Tulsa.

Unfortunately, as a result of the recent devastating ice storm, the majority of the beautiful trees lining the streets and populating Cameron’s landscape are damaged or destroyed.  Walking across campus after the storm ended, I was saddened to see that most of the university’s trees were injured including Oklahoma Redbuds, Shumard Red Oaks and Lace Bark Elms as well as ornamental trees, such as the colorful Chinese Pistache trees that brightened campus with autumn colors in recent falls.

But, the spirit of Cameron University continues to survive and thrive.  Our dedicated landscape staff members and professionals have worked hard to clean up fallen branches and debris from the storm.  A professional tree surgeon is being consulted to save as many trees as possible while ensuring the safety of those who pass beneath them, but it is clear that most will not be salvageable. 

The next step is to replant, something that must be done between now and Arbor Day at the end of March if the trees are to have a chance to root and grow.  In this short window of time, we will focus on replanting Cameron’s trees according to the university’s master plan.  Restoring the beauty of campus – the cleanup, tree surgery and replanting—will require a significant expenditure of funds.  To accomplish this enormous task, Cameron needs help from our friends and alumni.

Replanting Our Aggie Roots is not an ongoing campaign but rather a one-time contribution in response to this campus emergency.  I am pleased to inform you that we have already received a $20,000 lead gift from Regent Stuart.

I invite you to join this effort.  Please print and complete the pledge card and return it to the Office of University Advancement (see Printable Pledge Card to the right).

Once again, I thank you for your dedication and support of Cameron University.

Sincerely,

Cindy Ross

President