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Retiring Faculty Honored with Tree Plantings in Wilson Arboretum
The campus community gathered to pay tribute to Kathy Ames, Linda Ferguson, and Doug Kennedy
University News | May 9, 2025
The Virginia Wesleyan University community gathered on May 8 to honor the distinguished careers of three retiring faculty members during the University's time-honored tree planting ceremony. This annual tradition began with a celebration in the Greer Environmental Sciences Center's Atrium and concluded in the Wilson Arboretum, where trees were planted in tribute to each retiree.
This year’s honorees were Lecturer in Mathematics Kathy Ames; Dr. Linda Ferguson, Professor of Management, Business and Economics; and Dr. Doug Kennedy, Professor of Sport and Recreation Professions—whose combined service to the University totals an impressive 116 years.
Provost and Vice President Dr. Deirdre Gonsalves-Jackson opened the ceremony with a warm welcome to faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.
“It’s truly heartwarming to see so many colleagues, friends, and students gathered to honor three extraordinary members of our faculty who together have devoted an astounding 116 years of teaching and service to Virginia Wesleyan University,” said Gonsalves-Jackson. “Today’s celebration is more than a farewell—it’s an opportunity to express our deep gratitude for the dedication, wisdom, and care these three educators have brought to our campus community across decades.”
Colleagues from each of the retirees’ departments delivered heartfelt tributes, reflecting on the legacies left behind.
Professor of Mathematics Denise Wilkinson spoke on behalf of Kathy Ames, emphasizing her immeasurable impact on the University community throughout her tenure.
“What we all admired about Kathy was her incredible versatility,” noted Dr. Wilkinson. “Though she was hired to teach computer science, she jumped into algebra, statistics, first-year seminars—whatever was needed. She was constantly learning, even sitting in on Lydia Kennedy’s “Modern Geometries” course just to explore new math ideas. She co-taught a brand-new Math/CS course, mastered 3D printing, and developed a class students loved. She even helped Margaret Reese launch 3D printing projects for Multivariable Calculus! Since Kathy’s departure, there’s been a noticeable void at Virginia Wesleyan. And now that her retirement is official, we honor not just her dedication to students and colleagues—but the deep friendships she formed here.Though she couldn’t be here with us today, Kathy wanted to share how honored she feels to have worked alongside such wonderful colleagues. We miss her—and we carry her with us, in our work, in our stories, and in our hearts.”
Professor of Communication Kathy Merlock Jackson shared remarks from Dr. Michelle Vachris, Chair of the Management, Business and Economics Department, in tribute to Dr. Ferguson.
“Linda's retirement will leave a gaping hole in the Department of Management, Business, and Economics,” said Vachris. “She is literally our last tie to the VWC era and the Liberal Arts Management Program (LAMP). She has been here for new buildings, the transition to the four-credit-hour system, and the reorganization from Divisions to Schools. With her 38 years of service, she holds more institutional knowledge than all current MBE faculty combined.”
Dr. Merlock Jackson added personal reflections on Dr. Ferguson’s passion for teaching and unwavering dedication to students.
“Over a career that has spanned a half-century, Linda has taught it all—high school, community college, undergraduate, graduate, face-to-face, and online,” she said. “She has taught numerous courses in both the Business and the Media and Communication Departments, and she’s done so with flair. Linda is not only a remarkable educator but also a lifelong mentor and friend to many of her students.”
Dr. Jill Sturts, chair of the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions, honored Dr. Kennedy with a mix of admiration and lightheartedness—beginning by asking if he might reconsider retiring.
“Doug pushes students—and himself—to always reach higher,” she said. “His excellence has shaped the Department of Sport and Recreation Professions, the School of Professional Studies, and the University as a whole. His talent for building culture and creating buy-in has left an indelible mark. His presence will be deeply missed across campus.”
The celebration then moved to the Wilson Arboretum for the ceremonial tree plantings, following closing remarks by Dr. Gonsalves-Jackson.
“The tree planting ceremony is a fitting tribute to our retirees,” she shared. “It symbolizes the strong roots they have established in our community and the countless lives they have helped grow at Virginia Wesleyan.”
Each honoree selected a tree that reflects their personal connection to the University: Kathy Ames chose a Redbud; Dr. Ferguson, a Swamp White Oak; and Dr. Kennedy adopted an existing Windmill Palm located at the Cove.
About the Wilson Arboretum
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Wilson Arboretum, a living tribute to the memory of Dr. William M. Wilson, who served as dean from 1971 to 1994. Established by the Classes of 1986 and 1995, the arboretum began in the spring of 1995 with the planting of a dozen trees by members of the campus community.
According to University Archivist Dr. Stephen Mansfield, the tradition of honoring retiring faculty with commemorative tree plantings began in 1997, when Professors Gordon A. Magnuson (English) and William R. Shealy (Religious Studies) selected a weeping willow and a Japanese maple, respectively.
This enduring tradition, documented in Dr. Mansfield’s book Wisdom Lights the Way: Virginia Wesleyan College’s First Half Century, continues to symbolize the deep and lasting connections formed at Virginia Wesleyan.