Megan Allen
Reporter
October 6, 2004
Despite gloomy weather on Saturday, about 15 Milligan students and staff members moved stones, shoveled dirt and planted trees and shrubs at the new meditation garden.
The work day lasted from noon till 4 p.m. at the garden located between the faculty office building and science building.
Kevin Hurley, manager of landscaping and grounds, oversaw the event and provided volunteers with work.
Hurley was worried about a low volunteer turnout due to gloomy weather, but sophomore Angela McCann said the rain made the environment peaceful, and the trees kept her from getting wet. The rain lasted for less than an hour, but the sky remained overcast.
Volunteers said they think the garden will be beneficial to the Milligan community when it is completed.
“It will be a wonderful chance for people to relax and study,” said Hurley.
Sophomore Christian Thompson, as he shoveled dirt and planted monkey grass, said, “Whenever I come [to the garden], it will make me feel good for being a part of it and to see the joy in others.”
“It will be beneficial to people’s spiritual life and prayer,” said freshman Jade McBee. “It will be a good place to go and meditate on God.”
Volunteers enjoyed working on the garden and anticipate its completion.
Thompson and senior Adam Deiwert, who also participated in the work day, hold student worker positions in the landscaping department. During regular work hours, Thompson, Deiwert, Hurley and a few other landscaping staff work on the garden, but they chose to volunteer for the work day.
McCann said she participated in the work day because she likes to garden and, “we’re not allowed to have gardens in Hart [Hall].”
“I think it will rock and they should come check it out,” Thompson said.
The garden is scheduled to be finished by Homecoming weekend, Oct. 22-24. Once completed, the landscaping department will maintain the garden, which includes pulling weeds and planting new plants.
“I enjoy doing stuff like this,” Deiwert said. “It will be good to come back in five to 10 years to see how it has changed.”
Hurley said another work day scheduled for Oct 16. Other days may follow, if necessary. For more information, contact Hurley at 975-8054 or khurley@milligan.edu.