Howard Payne University recently held activities to celebrate Texas Arbor Day. The university hosted the planting of a Texas Red Oak involving HPU students from different campus organizations.

Aaron Diaz, HPU’s grounds supervisor, organized and led the event with Kailee Torgerson, director of student leadership engagement.

“Once again, our tree planting ceremony event this year was a success!” said Roger Dewell, director of facilities. “I want to extend a special thank you to Aaron Diaz and the grounds department for doing such an amazing job planning and arranging this event. Their tireless efforts are easily seen just driving by or walking around HPU’s beautiful campus. Our tree this year was also a dedication tree in remembrance of Johnny LaQuey. Johnny made a lifetime impact on all of those around him on our campus. It was an honor to have Johnny’s family attend this event.”

HPU representatives were assisted by students in the planting of a Texas Red Oak. The tree was planted between the Thomas Taylor Hall and the Wellness Center on the HPU campus, and was dedicated in memory of Johnny LaQuey, a beloved member of the facilities team who passed away earlier this year.

“I cannot begin to express my appreciation to our HPU family for their kindness and generosity,” said Karen LaQuey, wife of Johnny LaQuey and director of student financial aid. “When we moved here 6 years ago, Johnny and I were amazed at how quickly we were welcomed and the intensity of love and prayer that surrounded us. This tree, planted in memory of Johnny, is a special gift to God; and on behalf of the entire LaQuey family, we are full of gratitude for HPU’s many acts of kindness in honoring Johnny.”

In addition to the tree-planting ceremony, HPU students and personnel were given the details on the Texas Arbor Day’s 2025 theme Healthy Trees, Healthy Lives. Diaz presented information from Texas A&M Forest Services, the lead agency for forestry in Texas, on the many benefits and statistical research on the impact treescapes have on the overall health of people.

The ceremony was concluded by students and HPU representatives filling in the holes around the trees.

Torgerson expressed her appreciation to HPU’s grounds personnel for their commitment to the beauty of the university’s campus.

“It was wonderful to have our students participate in the Texas Arbor Day tree planting ceremony,” said Torgerson. “This event provides a meaningful, hands-on opportunity for them to contribute to the sustainability and beauty of our campus. I’m grateful for Aaron and the HPU grounds team for the care and dedication they show every day to Howard Payne.”

HPU’s dedication to caring for and planting trees each year has earned the university recognition from the Arbor Day Foundation’s Tree Campus Higher Education. Tree Campus Higher Education is a program that promotes the planting of trees on college campuses across the country. HPU first became a recognized campus in 2016. HPU is one of 412 recognized universities in the U.S.

For more information about Howard Payne University, visit www.hputx.edu.