Idaho State University beautification projects underway throughout Pocatello campus

Idaho State University has completed many landscaping updates over the summer, and more to come, as a part of a series of beautification projects through donations from Jack and Mary Wheatley.

Three years ago, the Wheatley family was extraordinarily generous in donating funds strictly for beautification projects on campus.

Students, faculty, faculty services and staff, and the campus beautification committee work together and decide what types of projects will be implemented on campus. 

"The transformation on campus has been beautiful, thanks to the Wheatley family's vision and generosity,” said ISU President Arthur C. Vailas. "The trees and gathering places make Idaho State University a welcoming place for students today and for generations to come."

Over the summer, 165 trees were planted around the perimeter of Bartz Field; foliage was planted around the entries to ISU; a seating-circle near the Fine Arts Building and the Pond Student Union Building was constructed with eight trees planted around the area; 12 trees were planted along the Frazier Hall parking lot; and a second seating-circle was recently finished near the Hutchison Quadrangle and Business Administration building.

"I think it's great to have such a generous donor," said Chris Wagner, Landscape Superintendent for Grounds and Landscaping Facilities Services. "I feel it is important to have a beautiful campus that will be a conducive environment for learning. Without philanthropic support, large scale projects such as these wouldn't happen."

Future projects are in the works with more seating-circles, trees, foliage, and retaining walls to add to the beauty of ISU's campus. The Wheatley family has been generous in donating funds to Stanford University, Brigham-Young University and Idaho State University.

"The Wheatley family and their extraordinary kindness has been an outstanding addition to this University," said Kent Tingey, Vice President for Advancement. "They constantly think of and consider ways to help students and others associated with Idaho State University, either through scholarships for our students or making the campus a more beautiful venue. Their contributions and personal touch will forever impact Idaho State University."

For more information regarding the beautification projects visit http://www.isu.edu/facilities/beautify.shtml.

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