Arboretum tree dedicated in Charles Hosler's honor
September 29, 2005
Penn State formally dedicated The Hosler Oak, also to be known as the Witness Tree, Wednesday, Sept. 28, at the Arboretum site on the University Park campus. The tree was dedicated in honor of Charles L. Hosler, senior vice president emeritus for research, dean emeritus of The Graduate School and professor emeritus of meteorology, and for Hosler's late wife, Anna Rosa Hosler. About 200 people attended the ceremony on bright, windy day that rustled the leaves of the newly planted oak.
"I once heard that the true meaning of life is to plant trees under whose shade you do not intend to sit," said President Graham B. Spanier, who praised Hosler's contributions to the University. "Like this oak, Charlie is revered, venerable, respected. He is a treasure to the University."
In the Founding Fathers' time, this field was a forest; the settlers came and cut down the trees to make charcoal to produce iron and to clear fields, said Hosler, for whom the tree is named. "So, in a sense, we're completing the cycle returning an oak to this field."
The ceremony also featured remarks from Anne Riley, a member of the Board of Trustees; Robert D. Steele, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences; and Kim C. Steiner, director of the Arboretum.
The white oak, which was donated by George Biemesderfer, a Penn State alumnus in agriculture, was planted March 21 on the site. Approximately 33 feet tall, the oak is believed to be the largest tree planted on the University Park campus in 70 years. The tree is destined to be a landmark, to bear witness to the future growth of the Arboretum.
For photos from the event, go to http://www.psu.edu/ur/extra/2005/2005_09_29_hosler/
Contact:
Tysen Kendig
tysen@psu.edu
http://live.psu.edu
814-865-7517