Although I’ve only been back on campus for about a week now, I’ve had the chance to get a look at things.

One particular sight of which I have been especially appreciative is all of the beautiful flower beds that are so full, colorful, and well-maintained: the rose garden behind Swen Parson, the island in front of Altgeld, the beds near the Stevens building entrance, the small “NIU” bed (made up of red Salvia and white dusty Miller spelling out these letters), and all of the others.

I would just like to take this opportunity to thank the NIU groundskeepers who have been so meticulous in their arrangement and maintenance of these beds. I know it could not have been a simple task as I have worked on flower beds myself with a horticulturist the past three summers.

Appropriate plant choices were required, dozens of flats needed to be planted, weeds needed to be pulled, and drought conditions have demanded frequent watering. The hard work of the keepers has obviously paid off, and although these beds often go unmentioned, I don’t think campus would be the same without them.

Thanks so much!

Jerry J. Mazzolini

Sophomore

Pre-computer science