AQ “Tree of the Year” Competition

AQ "Tree of the Year" Competition 

The AQ “Tree of the Year” Competition celebrates our campus trees by sharing our favorite trees and reflecting on why they matter. During October, the entire campus community is invited to explore campus and select their favorite tree, submitting a testimonial describing why their tree should be the “Tree of the Year”. Nominations are first reviewed by the Campus-Tree Advisory Committee, which judges them based on personal, social, and ecological significance, narrowing the list to the top three. These finalists are then put to a public vote, and the winner is commemorated with a plaque placed in front of the tree.

2024 - Sugar Maple 

Nominated by: Coreena Marsigalia (Student)

Location: NW of Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Chapel, near the light pole

Testimonial: 

"This tree has already started changing colors and it has really provided me encouragement during this last week before fall break. It has helped me to focus on my studies and then take a break and see the beauty around me. I am so grateful this tree decided to be different and allow its beauty to spring forth early."

 

2023 - Dawn Redwood 

Nominated by: Shaily Baynes (Student)

Location: Tree marker #60; East of the Academic Building, by the parking lot

Testimonial: 

"Outside AB,

Stands a tree,

Where we as students often pass,

Every day, it's a sight to see,

A symbol of growth and memory.

 

Through the years, I've walked this path,

Its branches reaching out, a familiar sight,

Guiding my steps to class in the morning light.

 

At Aquinas College, it takes its place,

A tree of knowledge, a warm embrace.

 

As I walk past, I find my place.

Through the years, this tree has grown,

And in my heart, its roots are sown.

A witness to my journey, as time flies fast,

Walking past this tree, while commuting to class."

 

2022 - Black Walnut 

Nominated by: Kacey Carnithan (Student)

Location: Between the Cook Carriage House and Regina Hall

Testimonial: 

“This is Mother Teresa! She watches over our outdoor field to protect our athletes and cheer them on. She's there for any student to lean on. She bursts with excitement and bad tree puns. Follow her @mother_treesa.aq on Instagram!”

 

2021 - Cottonwood 

Nominated by: Anna Martin (Student)

Location: Tree Marker #71; Just off the trail behind the Performing Arts Center, by the pond

Testimonial: 

“Of all the trees on campus, this giant stands out to me as the most special. I was awed by its size when I discovered it during my first semester here in 2018, and I fell in love with the little nook nearby where the bench dedicated to Ollie is located. Since then, I’ve often gone back to enjoy the natural scenery and watch squirrels pop in and out of the cavity at the base of the huge tree. Not only is this tree big and beautiful, but to me, it is also a symbol of our college—sometimes overlooked, but incredible and impactful to those who know of it. You could even say that the four trunks, united as one tree, call to mind the four pillars of the Dominican tradition!”