91�����

This past Saturday, local members of the 91����� Aquinas College President�s Council came to campus to learn from Landscape Supervisor Dave Gaston about how he � with the help of his team of student workers � keeps the grounds so beautiful.

�The class was a small token of gratitude for the St. Thérèse-level members of the President�s Council,� says Paul Lazenby, director of the College�s Annual Fund. �Visitors often comment about the flowers on campus, and wonder how they can replicate Dave�s handiwork in their own gardens. So Dave graciously offered to share his secrets with some of our loyal benefactors.�

The day began with Mass in Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity Chapel, after which Mr. Gaston led a tour of the campus, discussing how, and why, he chose particular plants for each area, while also offering gardening tips along the way. �It was amazing to see how much thought and care Dave puts into every decision,� says Mr. Lazenby. �We were watching an artist at work.�

The College�s landscape supervisor for the last 20 years, Mr. Gaston has played a key role in the development of the campus, relying entirely on student workers. As part of the College�s Service Scholarship Program, 64 percent of students work 13 hours per week in exchange for a reduction in their tuition. Of those, 45 make up Mr. Gaston�s year-round grounds-keeping crew. They � not professional gardeners � do all the planting, trimming, weeding, mowing, spraying, and watering that bring his vision to life.

After Mr. Gaston�s tour/class, the event concluded with lunch in the St. Joseph�s Commons Coffee Shop. �Seeing how much our guests enjoyed the day, we definitely plan to do it again,� says Mr. Lazenby. �We�re grateful to Dave for his time and his advice, as well as to all the benefactors who make his work � and all the work of the College � possible.�